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It was a bright and colourful night at the Lido on Friday, April 5, 2019, as the Energetic Dance Explosion entertained with an evening of Latin American dance numbers. Earlier in the week, lead choreographer Aneudy Grullon (left) said his goal is to expose the Fort St. John community to dance and to give residents the opportunity to learn how. To watch a clip from the show, visit alaskahighwaynews.ca

‘No easy solution’

Caribou plan pitched to skeptical public MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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A wolf cull and maternity penning program has led to increased birth rates, plummeting death rates, and rising caribou populations in the B.C. South Peace. But more needs to be done to fully help stabilize the southern mountain caribou, including restrictions on industrial development, government officials said at a town hall Tuesday, April 2.

Officials with both the B.C. and federal governments were in Fort St. John to give the public an overview of two draft agreements to protect vast tracts of caribou habitat, continue the wolf kill, and grow the successful maternity penning program in the region.

“We got here through the way that we’ve managed the landscape, and we’re reaping the rewards of that management on caribou,” said Darcy Peel, director of the province’s caribou recovery program.

“There is no easy solution here. That’s the key we want to get out to people, to understand there’s no solution to caribou recovery that you just flick this switch and everything will be good. This requires a lot of action at the front end, and ongoing commitment to recover caribou in order to keep them on the landscape.”

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

A resident speaks at a caribou recovery town hall in Fort St. John, April 2, 2019.

Caribou numbers in the central group of the southern mountain caribou herds around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge have dropped from between 800 to 1,000 in the 1990s, to around 230 today — a “precipitous decline,” biologist Dale Seip said. While a few herds in the region have already been extirpated, the entire population likely would have been by 2020 without predator control and maternal penning starting five years ago, he said.

“We’ve been studying these caribou since 2002,” Seip said, noting a radio collar program has been tracking herd movements, calving and mortality rates, and population counts.

The wolf cull has killed 476 wolves since the winter of 2014-

15, Seip said. That’s helped drop caribou mortality rates from 14% to 5%, increased calving rates from 16 per 100 animals to 25 per 100, and increased herd populations by 20%. Those numbers have been buoyed by a successful maternity pen run

by West Moberly and Saulteau, where pregnant caribou cows are captured each March and penned through to late July to let the calves grow in a safe environment and give them a better chance at survival.

However, fragmented habitat conditions and growing moose populations are seeing wolf numbers bounce back each year, Seip said. “Wolf control works, but it comes with a lot of effort and it needs to be ongoing,” he said.

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Seasonal caribou and wolf habitat generally don’t overlap — caribou use the rugged interior and high elevations of the mountains in summer as their calving range, and move out to the alpine ridges and onto boreal plateaus through the winter. Wolves live exclusively in valley bottoms during the winter, sustained largely by moose.

“Caribou are relatively safe as long as a high elevation refuge is in place,” Seip said.

But industrial landscape changes over the decades have flipped the tables, Seip said, and made it easier for wolves to climb up into the alpine via roads and corridors in the summer. That’s leading to more caribou deaths — around 40% of total caribou mortality each year. As industrial activity continues, it replaces old mature forest well-suited for caribou, with young forest well-suited for moose, deer, and elk, increasing those ungulate populations, as well as wolves.

“We’ve disrupted this natural predator-prey system by having industrial disturbance on the landscape,” Seip said.

Which is a key plank of a draft partnership agreement between B.C., Ottawa, and the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations.

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ALL SMILES Staff from Blooming Smiles visited the Peace Lutheran apartments on Saturday, April 6, 2019, as part of Gift From The Heart. The team saw 12 seniors, donating $1,350 worth of dental cleaning and assessment services.

this week’s flyers Jysk Rona Marks Safeway No Frills Wal-Mart Peavey Mart Canadian Tire Save-On Foods Home Hardware Shoppers Drug Mart

April 6 to 12 National Dental Hygiene Week to promote good oral health care practices and celebrate the dental hygiene profession. Turn to A8 for more.

From left: Laurie Yee, Marina Greenwell, Tammy Gulevich, and Michelle Worton

Don’t do this at Starbucks GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices

DINO DETAILS: We start this week’s news chewing near the tiny town of Eastend, Saskatchewan. A T-Rex dinosaur skeleton found there in 1994 finally received the award it deserves. Last week it was named the biggest T-Rex dinosaur ever discovered. When this dinosaur roamed the Earth 68 million years ago, Canada was a tropical jungle. Which made it very hard for early Canadians to play hockey.

April Fools Day. On Tuesday, my lawyer informed me yelling “April Fool!” is not a valid legal defence.

Bob Snyder

WAKE UP: In a new study by the University of Toronto: Just looking at a cup of coffee makes you feel awake and alert.

Looking at coffee activates the part of your brain that is stimulated by caffeine.

You can save a lot of money by hanging out at Starbucks. When they ask for your order, you say. “I’m just looking.”

Chews the news

select movie theaters across North America will screen a special Marvel movie Dawson Creek 124.9 marathon. That’s all 22 movies in the MarBATMAN BIRTHDAY: Next, let’s visit vel Universe back to back. The Marvel Fort St. John 127.9 Gotham City, home of Batman. Last week, Movie Marathon will run 59 hours. That’s the Caped Crusader celebrated his 80th a long time to be in a theatre. When you’re APRIL: April is Kite Month. I’m surbirthday. The average 80-year-old walks at the concession stand buying your ex- prised we don’t see more kites in the sky B.C. Average 147.0 into a room and forgets why he went in tra-large pop, be sure to ask for the Porta- here in the windy Peace Country. Althere; 80-year-old Batman slides down the Potty attachment. The longest I was ever though my readers do sometimes email Alberta Average Batpole, and when he gets to the bottom in a movie theatre was when it took me me and tell me to go fly a kite. By the way: 119.0 he thinks, “Why did I slide down the pole?” three hours to get my shoes unstuck from The guy who invented the kite sat around And because Batman is old, some changes the sticky theatre floor. I couldn’t leave for years, waiting for someone to invent Saskatchewan Avg. Forecast 125.5- Environment t St. John, BC - 7 Day Canada have been made. When the Gotham City withouthttps://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html them, they were my favourite string.

Police Department summons the Caped sneakers.

Manitoba Average TOILET TIME: Our next stop is China, 125.3 Crusader, they use a bifocal Bat Signal.

NETFLIX NEWS: Meanwhile, some where they have a problem with hi-tech ROYAL REPORT: Our next stop is Lon- people prefer to stay home and watch toilets. So-called “smart” toilets are popOntario Average 120.6 don.

It was announced Queen Elizabeth movies. For those people, Netflix an- ular in China. They feature heated seats, has given up driving on public roads, but nounced yet another subscription rate in- water rinsing and warm air drying. Last Home Average  Environment and naturalshe resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Quebec 127.9 will continue to drive on her private crease. The only reason we keep Netflix is week the Chinese government issued a estate. Her Majesty enjoys driving. She because it gives my wife and me something consumer warning after people reported New Brunswick Avg 126.4 loves to roll down the window and feel the different to argue about instead of arguing getting electric shocks from the hi-tech wind blowing through her crown. about how I load the dishwasher toilets. Well hey, I guess that’s one way to cure constipation.

Nova Scotia Avg 126.0 at: Fort St.DENIM John Airport 10:00 AMAMST Tuesday 9 high April 2019 Current Conditions DNA LOL: Also in London, Observed a British sciDETAIL: Vancouver t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada entist says he’s working on a smartwatch fashion https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html company is now selling denim CLIMATE CHAOS: A new climate study that will analyze DNA to detect disease. underwear for $300. Wind: Yes, denim undies.

PEI Average Mainly Sunny Temperature: 6.1°C WSW 19 km/h shows Canada is warming faster than the 123.1 Condition: DNA tests paidpoint: In the short time between Pressure: 101.6are kPaalready big business. I Dew -4.2°C Visibility:paying 81 km$300 for rest of the Earth. Prime Minister Justin for a DNA test on my dog. It turns out he’s denim underwear and the time you throw Trudeau said increasing temperatures are Rising Humidity: 48% Newfoundland Avg. 129.9Tendency: adopted. it out, it works out at $30 per wedgie. cause for concern. With the scandal he’s dealing with, Trudeau doesn’t need anothCAD$ per litre, prices as of April 9.

MOVIE MARATHON: It was announced FOOL FACT: Monday of last week was er reason to sweat.

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Local News

Council rejects tax hike to make up budget shortfall matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John will dip into its tax stabilization reserve and boost its investment expectations this year to offset a late and unexpected $601,000 shortfall in its operating budget.

Council unanimously rejected a proposal to increase tax rates to make up the difference on Monday, calling its move a compromise as it gears up for a major financial policy review later this year.

“The years of financial stewardship we have put into this community over the years has created the options we have in front of us,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “Without that diligence … we would not have these options.”

The city was caught off guard after a surge in property assessment appeals cut more than $37 million from the city’s overall assessment portfolio, most of it for business properties.

David Joy, the city’s budget architect, is still unsure why there was such a dramatic drop, but said it’s something he’ll be investigating with BC Assessment.

The city had $3 million in its tax stabilization reserve and will draw on $251,500. It will also boost its investment projections by $350,000 after it saw expectations double to $1.7 million in 2018.

“The budget we set comes with a lot of planning and forethought and care by our staff, and we appreciate that and I really commend our staff in putting that kind of work in to presenting a budget,” said Coun. Gord Klassen, who motioned to draw on the reserves instead of increase tax rates.

“BC Assessment has created our angst. To have that sudden change, it creates quite an impact for us in our planning and budgeting and taxation.”

The city’s revenues for its operating budget are made up of property taxes, grants, the sale of services, investments, and other transfers.

Appeals spike The city’s assessment portfolio was valued at $3.68 billion in January,

and dropped to $3.64 billion in April.

Much of the drop was seen in commercial property values, at $34.2 million, though the city also saw a $1.4 million drop in residential values, and a $1.9 million drop in major industry.

Assessment appeals spiked from 99 in 2018 to 171 this year, according to the report.

“The significant decrease in commercial property assessment values from January to March was not anticipated,” Joy wrote in a report to council.

With the adjustments, the city is expecting to collect around $28.7 million in property taxes this year, down from an anticipated $29.3 million.

The budget had been planned to hold the line on tax rates, and the city had initially seen property values increase for commercial and light industrial properties.

While the appeals have created a challenge for the city this year, property owners should take note, Joy added.

“Any property owners should be heartened by fact the BC assessment will listen and reflect on appeals,” he said.

“You can’t just appeal. You have to provide some supporting documentation, some thought as to why you should have a lower assessment.”

City administration has cut $1 million over the last two years, Joy noted on Monday, and will continue to look for savings and other efficiencies. Cancelling capital projects — financed by grants from the province through the Peace River Agreement — would have no affect on tax rates, Joy said.

Coun. Tony Zabinsky believes there will be headwinds and further appeals ahead for the city now that business owners are aware many of their peers have realized savings.

“Businesses talk to businesses,” Zabinsky said. “I think next year we’re going to see a drop. We need to be prepared for this. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Council will be reviewing all aspects of the city’s financial policy framework later this year, including tax rates, exemptions, account reserves, and more.

Mayor named Energy Person of the Year matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman has earned national recognition.

Ackerman has been named the Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada.

“Canadian communities that grow alongside energy development, manage unique development opportunities,” President Jacob Irving said in a statement.

“Balancing economic highs and lows, while moving toward a sustainable future for both the community and the energy industry requires vision, tenacity and strong leadership. Canada is fortunate to have a leader like Lori Ackerman who sees the big picture and the local reality and is able to fit the two together for mutual benefit. There is a lot we can learn from Mayor Ackerman, which is why we’re so pleased she is the 2019

Canadian Energy Person of the Year.”

The award was established in 2001 to recognize Canadian leaders making an impact for the energy sector on a national and international level.

a touch of culture

matt preprost photo

Garry Oker adds some art to city council chambers in Fort St. John today. It’s part of a visibility project to bring more indigenous art, design, and culture to the city. The project also includes the airport and the cultural centre, among other local establishment.

Trevor Bolin named leader of the BC Conservatives matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city councillor Trevor Bolin is the new leader of the BC Conservative Party.

Bolin was named leader of the party Monday in Vancouver.

“We’ve been talking to British Columbians all across the province the last few months, we’ve been building the party and we are truly the grassroots party coming forward in British Columbia,” Bolin said in a speech.

“The BC Conservatives is the oldest party in the province and literally was the first to form governmetn back in the early 1900s. However, it’s time to revive that, it’s time to renew that, and it’s time to ensure we are the voice of people from everywhere in this province.”

Red tape is chasing investment away from B.C., while new taxes are raising the cost of living for families without eliminating that red tape, Bolin said.

“There needs to be an even, level playing field in the province of British Columbia, so families can prosper, businesses can prosper, and we know that we’ve set the province up for our children to prosper,” he said.

Bolin also took aim at the increased carbon taxes, government representation and partisan politics in his speech.

Bolin was first elected to city council in Fort St. John in 2008, and was re-elected in 2018. He plans to remain on council.

Bolin supported Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman and then former councillor Dan Davies, who was eventually nominated to represent Peace River North for the BC Liberals, during the 2017 provincial election.

Bolin noted he had supported both Pat Pimm and Richard Neufeld as the BC Liberal MLAs for the area before that.

“This new chapter is not about chan-

ging what I believe is needed for the city or province, it’s about advocating and being able to bring more to the province,” Bolin said.

“My being elected leader of the BC Conservatives isn’t about the MLA’s, it’s about new ideas, a new way for BC families to prosper in all regions of the province. I have been fortunate to be named the leader of a party that I find fits so closely with my own beliefs.”

In a statement, Davies congratulated Bolin. However, Davies also cautioned the uncertainty over how the Conservatives will split the right-leaning vote in B.C. “British Columbians are more than aware what happens when the right side of the political spectrum is fractured,” Davies said.

“We only need to look back to the days that the Reform Party ran, splitting the BC Liberals and the Reform, allowing the NDP a second term. We can just look next door in Alberta what happens when the right splits.

“We are not sure when the election will happen in BC, but rest assured, I am looking forward to continue to fight and represent the residents of Peace River North under our free enterprise party.”

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Local News

Resource restrictions needed to protect caribou habitat caribou from a1

The agreement calls for the establishment of seven zones that will see varying levels of new regulatory restrictions placed on industrial development and new land protections mostly in high elevation habitats. Some of the restrictions to industry access and development would be immediate and permanent through the life of the agreement — 30 years — while others would be temporary.

The agreement calls for a small area to be set aside as a “sustainable activity area” where existing tenures in high elevation habitat can continue to proceed. However, a newly established committee would review new tenure applications in that area, said Russ Laroche of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. The committee would be comprised of B.C., Ottawa, and First Nations representatives, however, local governments and industry would not have a seat at the table.

The committee would “look at those impact assessments and mitigation plans, take information, and provide a recommendation to decision makers on whether they support the application,” Laroche said.

Other areas are identified for restoration and conservation, including a major expansion of the Klinse-za Provincial Park. An area has also been set aside where West Moberly intends to apply for a woodland licence, though there are no plans to use the licence for logging, according to officials.

The agreement does include provisions that existing infrastructure and projects with an environmental assessment certificate issued before Feb. 1, 2019, would not be affected by resource development moratoriums. Major projects such as the $6.2-billion Coastal GasLink pipeline are not affected.

However, the moratoriums are still expected to have a major impact on forestry.

There will be reductions to the annual allowable cuts in the region, however, a number hasn’t been determined. While the government ballparks the figure around 300,000 cubic metres, companies say it will likely be much higher than

matt preprost photo

Franco Antoniazzi, regional manager for Canfor, speaks at caribou recovery town hall in Fort St. John, April 2, 2019.

that.

Franco Antoniazzi, regional manager for Canfor, said the company has seen little consultation through the drafting of the agreement, and is studying its impacts on Canfor’s operations in the region.

The company employs more than 500, and contributes more than $600 million annually to the economy, Antoniazzi said.

“This could be very substantial,” Antoniazzi said.

Rodger Roy, general manager for West Fraser in Chetwynd, said his company was told by the government to expect job losses in the range of 500 people, which he said would shut down either its operations or Canfor’s operations. West Fraser has a $24 million annual payroll, and has invested $150 million into its Chetwynd facility in the last decade, and another $34 million into the community.

“This is a very significant issue for us and we absolutely feel left out of this process,” Roy said.

“The minister (Doug Donaldson) made the comment that he would expect, based on that cut, that we wouldn’t see more than half a shift lost in production at one of the mills. Obviously, the minister doesn’t understand the economics, and doesn’t understand it’s not a linear re-

lationship between cut and operations.

“We absolutely need to be involved in an economic discussion, and it can’t be rushed. It has to be taken very carefully, and considered very carefully by the committee,” he said.

The two companies, along with business leaders and local government officials, want a socio-economic study to be completed before the agreements are signed. The government said that work is just beginning, and that the results of the study will be given to government cabinet ministers as part of their decision making process.

However, Kathleen Connelly of the Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce, said a socio-economic study is impossible to complete in the short timeframe between now and this summer, when the agreements are expected to be signed and put into force.

“The socio-economic impacts to our region could potentially be devastating,” Connelly said.

“What we’re asking for ... is that government extend the amount of time government and citizens can respond to these concerns, that the regional district can hire legal counsel if they require it, that they can do an independent socio-economic assessment,

look at yours compare that data, and make decisions that will actually allow our communities to respond in a manner that will allow them to mitigate for what is going to happen to industry — not only forestry and mining, but the small businesses that will be impacted.”

Avoiding emergency orders The federal government last year declared the herds in the South Peace to be facing an imminent threat to their survival and recovery. It’s been pressured by a number of environmental groups to issue an emergency order under the Species At Risk Act that would effectively shut down all industrial activity in the region.

However, government officials say the partnership agreement with West Moberly and Saulteau, as well as a separate agreement between B.C. and Canada under the Species At Risk Act would go a long way to avoid that.

Jim Webb, a policy advisor for West Moberly, said the First Nation is not directly funded

by U.S. interests. However, West Moberly does belong to a number of organizations such as the Boreal Leadership Council, which does receive funding from American foundations, he said.

“Our agenda is not driven

by those organizations. Our agenda is driven by this ethic of stewardship, and the life of the Dane-zaa,” Webb said.

“We want caribou on the landscape the same way we want to continue a way of life partially related to caribou on the landscape. The treaty says the Crown will provide those animals, allow us to manage how we use them, and help us to protect them.”

Caribou populations in the region used to number in the thousands, and were important to seasonal hunting rounds, according to traditional indigenous knowledge.

However, the building of the WAC Bennett Dam on the Peace River, and the flooding of the Williston Reservoir blocked their migration routes and started the decline seen today, Webb said.

In the early 1970s, the First Nations imposed their own moratoriam on hunting the animal, Webb said.

West Moberly and Saulteau have been running a maternal pen for the Klinse-za herd for the last five years, helping to bring the herd count from the low teens into the 60s. Both agreements commit to building and expanding the maternity program as part of herd management plans for other herds in the region, including the Pine, Quintette, and Narraway.

Seip, the biologist, noted that there are substantial land protections in B.C., however, not enough to bring caribou numbers to self-sustaining population levels. That self-sustaining level is estimated at around 2,000 animals — half in B.C., and half in Alberta.

The success of the wolf cull and the maternity pen, coupled with increased habitat protections, could see caribou numbers in the region bounce back to between 800 to 1,000 within years, he said.

“You could stop all logging and industry today, and it would take decades for the habitat to recover, and you would still need predator control or other management,” Seip said.

“We have a variety of management techniques, none are easy and simple to implement. It’s a very difficult question: What’s the best mix of strategies to recover these caribou populations?”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Marriage Commissioner The Vital Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health, is looking for an individual to serve as a Marriage Commissioner for Fort St. John. The individual will perform civil marriages within their community on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must reside in Fort St. John in order to be considered for this position.

For information and an application form please visit our website at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/marriage

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MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Darcy Peel, director of B.C.’s caribou recovery program speaks at a town hall in Fort St. John, April 2, 2019.

Process, process, process The town hall lasted four hours, most of it dedicated to fielding questions from the public.

Many who attended believe the agreements are already a done deal, and will likely see little to no changes between the draft and the finalized versions. While the agreements do allow for the boundaries of the proposed management zones to be altered based on public feedback, most who spoke called the process rushed and criticized the government for its secrecy and lack of transparency while the agreements were drafted.

“When I look at the information that was provided, notwithstanding the fact people may misuse and abuse the information, I feel the information could have been provided to us a year ago when this process started out, and let us have input along that whole process,” said acting Fort St. John Mayor Gord Klassen said.

“It’s not really fair for the rest of us that this was kept secret for 11 months, and then we get three weeks to comment.”

Joining Klassen at the meeting were Couns. Becky Grimsrud, Tony Zabinsky, as well as a number of planning and economic development staff from the City of Fort St. John.

Brad Sperling, chair of the Peace

Biologist Dale Seip

River Regional District, was also in attendance, but did not speak.

Coun. Dave Lueneberg and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Young attended on behalf of the District of Taylor. West Moberly Chief Roland Willson, and Saulteau Chief Ken Cameron did not attend.

MLA Dan Davies was in Victoria, and MP Bob Zimmer was in Ottawa as both houses are in session this week.

Sue Milburn, assistant deputy minister with Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted the two agreements were put together under a framework of reconciliation with indigenous people.

“It’s taken quite a while to reach a stable agreement we feel is ready for review, input, and comment,” Milburn said.

Others who spoke voiced con-

MNP CONSUMER DEBT INDEX

“Canadians are worried about interest rates affecting their debt.”

cerns about the lack of ministry staffing in the region, delayed approvals for prescribed burns to help enhance wildlife habitat, and the science being used to count caribou. At one point, attendees held a mock vote, raising their hands in favour of just continuing the wolf cull in the region.

Some questions weren’t even answered, to the frustration of those gathered.

One man expressed concern that southern politicians and residents were dictating how they were going to manage resource lands in the north when it’s those same people driving the demand for those resources. The man asked what big cities including Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto would have to give up as part of the agreement. Despite a repeated call for an answer, no one from the governments did.

Just one person spoke in support of the agreements. However, the man said the plan would not be sustainable in the long-term, as it failed to consider how climate change will alter all wildlife habitat in the region.

The man suggested it would be easier to fence off a designated tract of land for the caribou and simply become herders.

“When you start to manage wildlife, it’s not wildlife anymore. It’s just animals that you watch,” the man said.

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The collapse of the Peace River Bridge

A

s 1957 came to a close, many major events were under way.

The Pacific Great Eastern Railway bridge across the Peace was coming to a completion.

North of the river, Pacific Petroleum was in the process of building a modern office complex in Fort St. John, as well as developing the Pacific Pete subdivision. The McMahon Plant at Taylor was also nearing completion.

On October 16, 1957, an event occurred that would affect everyone living and doing business north of the river. This was the collapse of the Peace River Bridge and was covered by the Alaska Highway News from start to finish.

This collapse proved to be a substantial pain in the rear for literally everybody. What actually alleviated it was the completion of the PGE bridge, which allowed for some traffic and freight to cross to the north at different times of the day. While the oil companies found it inconvenient, most of the equipment and rigs that were needed in the patch were already across the river. The following is a bit of history and my memory of the collapse of the Peace River bridge.

In the early days, there was no way of crossing the Peace River in the summer except in dugouts, which were not always seaworthy. In the winter, everyone relied on the ice bridge created with built-up ice and snow to create a road.

Shifting currents under the ice would often erode the ice, making it unsafe for heavy traffic. In the freeze-up of fall and the break-up of spring travellers and freight were to be taken by boats where there was open water, put on sleighs where the ice was still firm, and changed again to boats where there was open water.

This means of transportation was slow, difficult, and often dangerous. This went on until the early 1920s when a cable ferry was installed at the crossing at Taylor.

The Peace River Suspension Bridge was constructed by the U.S. Army and officially opened on August 30, 1943, as part of the building of the Alaska Highway. On October 16, 1957, the bridge collapsed.

Larry Evans My Dad took my friend Kenny and I to Taylor to watch the action. We arrived with most of Fort St. John and area and the only gridlocked traffic Taylor has ever seen.

People were everywhere on the banks of the river looking at what we presumed was a major catastrophe unfolding.

We were lucky to get a front row seat, which was on the north bank below the small Pacific Pete subdivision (right side, southbound, the houses no longer there). We watched for what seemed like hours for the far side span to fall, which never did. Mom had the presence of mind to send a camera with us and Dad let me take pictures to keep Kenny and I out of his hair. To say Kenny and I were becoming bored was an understatement, and as usual we began to pick at each other. I gave Kenny a push and he had the misfortune of sitting on a patch of cacti. The way Kenny was yelling, you’d think I’d cut off his leg. People came running from everywhere, they stood Kenny up and proceeded to pull the cacti out of his behind. Shortly after that, Dad took us home. I believe the cacti was much more prevalent than it is today, but if one looks on the north banks of the Peace and the Beatton Hills you can still find cacti patches growing.

It took about three years to complete a new bridge and in those three years the population north of the river adapted and carried on. As I have said previously, Kenny and I, and most kids, believed that it had just fallen down, out of the blue.

While the collapse of the bridge no doubt inconvenienced most people, for Kenny and I, and other kids north of the river, it was the shortage of pop and candy. Kenny and I stopped at Odermatt’s Dairy one Saturday to stock up on our supplies for the day and were told there was none. Most supplies came

Peace River Suspension Bridge collapse, Oct. 16, 1957. Photo by Larry Evans

The Pacific Great Eastern Railway bridge was used to haul goods and people after the bridge collapse in Taylor.

by truck transport across the Pacific Great Eastern railway bridge and they were only hauling the necessities.

As the years went by, things returned to normal with the present bridge being completed in 1960. Most people forgot about the bridge collapse. It wasn’t until I became involved in the history of the North Peace and the research into the collapse of the bridge that I got the shock of my life. There is live footage filmed by Rudy Schubert of the collapse of the bridge!

Mr. Schubert had set up a camera several days earlier as the collapse was imminent.

Many weeks earlier, it was discovered that the north embankment had been shifting

due to erosion, thus making the piling under the bridge unstable. So it wasn’t a sudden collapse without warning but more like a series of events that eventually brought the bridge down.

More information about the Peace River Suspension Bridge collapse and viewing of the live footage is available at the North Peace Fort St. John Museum.

Next week’s column will feature the opening of the refinery at Taylor and the visit of Princess Margaret.

Larry Evans is a former fire chief, city councillor, and lifelong historian living in Fort St. John.

An apology to a former mayor

I

owe Merlin Nichols, the former Mayor of Chetwynd, an apology.

Last year, I moderated a conversation between the then mayors of Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, and Chetwynd, including elected officials from the regional district. Merlin Nichols, as mayor of Chetwynd, was participating in the panel and as we gathered moments before the session was to begin, Mr. Nichols broached the topic of the Species at Risk Act and the discussion about caribou.

Unfortunately, the session previous to the panel had gone long and, as a result, our session needed to be contained in a very brief 15-20 minutes. We had no time to talk about the Act and the caribou recovery strategy being drafted at the time. Hindsight is 20/20.

Mr. Nichols, I’m sorry. I’m sorry we didn’t have the time to address this very important issue. I’m sorry we missed an opportunity to find out more

Judy Kucharuk about this speeding, out-ofcontrol train heading towards our communities.

In retrospect, I believe you must have left that panel conversation very frustrated.

As I come to understand the situation and the draft agreement for the caribou recovery, I think back to that afternoon and how you must have felt: You had information, you were trying to sound the alarm bells, but no one was listening.

I discounted the importance of the conversation because I didn’t know what it was about and, as a result, I stayed in the dark regarding the caribou recovery strategy until someone else tried to explain.

HaveYOUR

“You mean this isn’t only about people not being able to snowmobile in the mountains?”

No, this issue is much more complex and dynamic than snowmobilers not being able to go to their favourite hillside to recreate.

This is about our economy.

This is about restricting industry. This is about our communities. This is about the way of life that we know, as it exists today in Northeast British Columbia.

This is like lights on versus lights off.

Last week, Mr. Nichols wrote in his weekly column via this newspaper (visit alaskahighwaynews.ca/ opinion) that, “Chetwynd is the hardest hit by the draft agreement. I put this in present tense because it’s already happening. The pain is real.

The tears flow. The fear grips our guts. The Community Carved by Success is reeling with uncertainty.”

It’s true. The fear is real. A little girl told me last week that she was afraid that her Dad would lose his job as a result of this agreement. She wondered what she and her family would do if that were to happen.

How do you reassure a child that everything is going to be OK when everything you have heard to this point results in the opposite?

Forgive me, Mr. Nichols. You tried to sound the alarm that day and if we could go back in time, I would gladly revisit that moment on the stage.

There is still time for all of us to review the draft agreement.

There is still time for us to let our elected officials know how we feel about this life altering agreement.

This is important – make the time.

Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes.

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The Alaska Highway News wants to hear from you. Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca with “Have Your Say” in the subject line. Letters should be kept under 300 words, and must be accompanied by your full name, city, and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only). We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Letters will be published each Thursday.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A7

OP-ED

Volunteer transfusion needed urgently

T

ransfusion needed urgently!’ If you saw this headline, you’d probably think the blood bank was running terribly short on supplies.

Many of us will remember when we used to have blood donor clinics in this community, something that ended many years ago due to the cost involved. It was much more economical to collect blood in the large cities and ship it to more remote and rural areas when needed.

But there’s another kind of transfusion that can’t be accomplished by transferring resources from the big cities.

I believe the heart of our community, and any smaller community, is our non-profit organizations that make the quality of life the sort of thing that keeps us all here, and proud and thankful for all they do to make our

quality of life so great.

You know what organizations I’m talking about, but lets make a list of just SOME of them.

Churches and temples, to meet our spiritual needs.

Minor hockey, soccer, softball and fastball, figure skating, gymnastics, swim clubs – all to look after our physical well being but also build character and team work principles.

The Hospital Foundation, the Care Centre Foundation, the Seniors Housing Foundation, Save our Northern Seniors – all geared to assist those whose health is compromised or whose advancing years mean they all need some extra help.

Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, kidney, the list is endless of organizations that support those suffering with various health issues.

The Chamber of

Steve Thorlakson Commerce, NEAT, Rotary, the Legion, the Elks all do their part to make our community better.

Last but not least is the arts, including the Library, Cultural Centre, Stage North, various dance groups, music groups and so on.

You get the message, I’ve only listed a few of the nonprofits that make Fort St. John what it is, and apologies to any I’ve missed – it’s not intentional, I’m doing this from memory.

When I moved here 40 years ago, there were two TV Channels: CBC Dawson

Creek and CFRN Edmonton, thanks to the volunteers of the Second Signal Society.

There we certainly no cell phones or internet.

If you wanted quality of life as a newcomer, you looked up one of the service clubs (I chose Kinsmen and the Legion), and you gained an instant group of friends. You also worked as a volunteer on projecdts to improve the community. Kin Park is a great example.

So why do I say a transfusion is needed urgently?

The common thread in all of this is the lifeblood of these groups — the volunteers —and they are becoming fewer and fewer, and older and older.

There are two ladies who do hair for the residents at Peace Villa who have been doing so for more than 40 years. They may need

to make a reservation for themselves in due course.

If I’m triggering a feeling of guilt, good.

My Mom and Dad taught my siblings and I that we should become involved in community service in order to pay back for the sacrifices made by previous generations.

I challenge all readers right now: Do you want to make your life better? Then do something to help make somebody else’s life better.

Volunteer, before that species becomes extinct.

Volunteer to pay back for what our parents and grandparents did for us, and pay it forward to make our community better for our children and grandchildren – you won’t regret it.

Steve Thorlakson is a resident and former mayor of Fort St. John.

Is caribou recovery really the environment vs. the economy?

M

uch has already been said about the state of the southern mountain caribou, or lack of, in the South Peace, their need for protection, and what some of the draft protection measures, if implemented as proposed, may or may not mean to local economies.

Still, much information is still missing.

How I wished I could have attended the in Chetwynd and Fort St. John on April 1 and 2, but unfortunately couldn’t be there. For this article, I have tried to rely on media coverage and reports from those who did attend, as to what was said and discussed. If I get any of this wrong, I do stand to be corrected, as I’m trying to stick to what is fact, and, in some cases, what is pure politics and outright fiction.

This current caribou issue should not be allowed to become an economy versus the environment, loggers versus environmentalists, wolves versus caribou, First Nation communities versus non-First Nations communities, or any other form of us-versus-them issue.

It needs to be considered as

a very complex issue that needs more time to work through and come up with some common sense, realistic, and generally acceptable solutions. It also needs to be a process where a far greater emphasis and value is paced on local inputs and local solutions. We need to move beyond blaming our past collective failures as the sole reason to immediately implement something that is not in the best interest of balancing our economic and environmental interests.

For the purpose of this article, I will refer to the proposed plans for the areas north and south of the Pine River (Highway 97), generally being southwest to north-west of Chetwynd, and containing the Moberly and former BurntPine caribou herds.

Caribou in this area, like their counterparts throughout most of B.C., began their declines when moose began migrating south from the Yukon, about 150 years ago.

It’s generally thought these declines were associated with moose providing yearround food source to wolves, which then allowed wolves to increase their numbers. As

Evan Saugstad wolf numbers increased, they were able to prey upon more caribou as opportunities arose.

Historically, one of the caribou’s greatest protection from wolves was that they were always on the move. When wolves denned to birth and raise their pups, they could only feed upon prey that lived near their dens. As a result, wolves could catch and kill caribou near their dens, but when their food supply ran out, fewer pups survived, which limited wolf numbers.

Caribou that were not close to wolf dens could raise their young without much predation. By the time wolf pups were strong enough to travel, so too were the young caribou which increased their ability to avoid wolves and sustain their populations.

Now, in various parts of B.C., we have tried reducing wolf and moose numbers to conserve caribou. Targeting

wolves has been successful in this area, as caribou populations are increasing.

Reports from other areas where only moose have been reduced are not as good, and some claim caribou there are still in decline.

Although some media reports define this as a wolf versus caribou or wolf versus industry issue, it’s not. I do get the sense that for these caribou to survive wolf management needs to be carried out, likely for years to come, irrespective of what the final outcomes are in limiting industrial access to the land base.

We as area residents all need to all stick together when it comes to wolf management. We also need to consider whether grizzly bear management should also be part of these conservation measures.

There are many gathering storm clouds trying to convince government that wolf management should not be part of a 21st Century solution. I do believe that the government’s biologist did correctly sum it up by stating predator management is a significant issue and concern

for many who live in more urban settings. These people will use everything available, including political pressure, to convince government to end wolf management.

For the record, in this area, wolf populations are not in danger of extinction. The 500 wolves quoted includes all wolves shot by hunters and individuals protecting their livestock, trapped by trappers, and those shot has part of this program’s predator control measures.

Funding for ongoing predator management was quoted as an issue. Simple solution: Keep local industries alive and use some of their taxes and fees to pay for this caribou protection program.

Do not rely on further government funding as we all know that can disappear with a new budget year.

Next week, more thoughts on some potential solutions that may be a bit easier to swallow for the local communities.

Evan Saugstad is a former mayor of Chetwynd, and lives in Fort St. John.

Stronger measures needed for B.C.’s forestry industry

H

ere in the Northeast, 20% of local jobs are generated by the forest industry (see story on A9).

That may come as a surprise to some, but if you currently work in forestry in our region, you know all about the challenges facing today’s industry. Across the province, fibre costs are increasing while lumber prices continue to fall. Jobs are being lost because of a lack of supply. Wildfires and

beetle epidemics are putting even more pressure on a dwindling resource.

On top of all that, government officials confirmed that planned caribou recovery efforts will directly impact the forest industry, especially in the Peace River region. This leaves many searching for answers, especially at last week’s annual convention of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries. People were hoping that the Horgan

Dan Davies MLA REPORT

government would finally do something to help the industry.

To the disappointment of all, Horgan failed to deliver.

The premier’s only solution is to pull lumber companies together with First Nations,

mayors, and unions. The provincial government would then step out of the way and let the industry work things out with local stakeholders.

Exiting the field is not what I call leadership.

Instead, the Horgan government proposes to use its buying power to utilize more lumber in governmentfunded construction projects.

A novel idea that sounds great on the surface, but in reality we are only talking about a few projects at most. This will

hardly be enough to support one of the most important export industries in the province.

The fact is, the Horgan government has been losing five forestry jobs a day ever since it took office in 2017.

This doesn’t include 10 to 15 indirect jobs that depend on forestry.

Quite frankly, I think our province deserves better.

Dan Davies is MLA for Peace River North.

A8 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

Local News ments to install water services and connections, sets water standards, and outlines how billing disputes are resolved and how the city collects on unpaid accounts, and more.

• Council gave first three readings to 101 Avenue Between 86 and 88 Streets Local Area Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2461, 2019, and 101 Avenue Between 86 and 88 Streets Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2462, 2019, for road improvements. The cost of the project is an estimated $1.5 million. The city would pay for just over $1 million from its capital budget, while $509,000 would be charged to property owners in the project area.

city hall

news in brief Highlights from the city council meeting held Monday, April 8, 2019: Condill agent hired • The city has awarded the contract to broker the sale of the surplus Condill land to Ron Rodgers with NorthEast BC Realty Ltd. “This is the next step in realizing Council goal of selling the ‘Condill’ lands and having them developed in line with the community’s vision for the downtown,” City Manager Dianne Hunter writes in the report.

Council declared the property, comprised of three lots, as surplus at their Feb. 25 meeting. The city received two requests for proposals for the brokerage services, with the other submission from Brenna Burns of Century 21 Energy Realty.

A committee evaluated the proposals for marketing services, qualifications, submission, proven performance and references, availability and innovation, according to the report.

The property has been vacant since the hotel, built in 1942 to house American soldiers during Alaska Highway construction, was demolished in spring 2018.

Any new development will be subject to new downtown zoning and building rules.

matt preprost photo

Proclamations

Michelle Worton with city council, which proclaimed April 6 to 12 National Dental Hygiene Week on April 8, 2019.

erman for being named the Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada. The city is honoured to see Ackerman win the award, he said. “That makes me very proud that we have you as our leader,” Zabinsky said. “You are very vocal and passionate. You represent us well.” See story on A3.

• Council will write a letter in support of the Doig River First Nation, which has applied for federal funding for a land-use study to formally establish the K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park.

• Council authorized its members to attend the SPARK Women’s Leadership Conference in Fort St. John on May 15 to 16. The $375 registration fee for each councillor who attends will be charged to council’s travel budget.

• Coun. Gord Klassen will represent the city at the BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast in Vancouver on May 16, 2019.

Klassen had already planned to be in Vancouver that week for personal business.

two phases were completed in in 2017 and 2018, and a storm sewer extension under the CN Railway is expected to be finished this spring.

• Council approved a contract to Interoute Construction of Fort St. John (DGS Astro Paving) for asphalt maintenance to city streets as needed this year. The city has budgeted $1 million for that work this year.

• The city has awarded a $63,787 contract to Carbon Mountain Drilling of Fort St. John for repairs to Well #5 of the city’s water supply system.

The city has budgeted $142,500 for well rehabilitation this year.

• Council approved an $18,800 sole-source contract to HiCube of Delta to buy two gun storage units for the RCMP detachment, pending an option to buy the units directly from the manufacturer.

Contracts • Council approved a $5.82-million contract to Knappett Industries Ltd. of Fort St. John for the third phase of 100 Street corridor improvements. The project will finish 100 Street four-laning from 110 Avenue to 119 Avenue. The first

Other business • Coun. Tony Zabinsky acknowledged Mayor Lori Ack-

Council proclaimed April 6 to 12 as National Dental Hygiene Week to promote good • Council endorsed Coun. oral health care practices and Gord Klassen to stand for elec- celebrate the dental hygiene tion for the board of directors profession. of the Federation of Canadian “Dental hygienists focus on Municipalities. Member mu- prevention,” said Michelle Wornicipalities will elect directors ton of Blooming Smiles. “Evidat their AGM May 30 to June ence-based research shows a 2 in Quebec City. Having the direct link between oral health city’s voice at the table is valu- and systemic health.” able, Klassen said.

Saturday, April 6, as part of • Council adopted Coun- Gift From the Heart, donating cil Policy No. 141/19 - Guid- $1,350 worth of services. ing Principles to Review “Knowing we are improving and Negotiate Development health, creating professionAgreements. al bonds, and delivering vital education is fundamental to Bylaws the role dental hygienists play in our community,” Worton • Council gave first three said. readings to Community SerBlooming Smiles will be cirvices Fees and Charges Bylaw culating oral health kits this No. 2460, 2019, which sets out week to students at Robert proposed recreation fees and Ogilvie school, and collecting service charges through to old toothbrushes from resid2023. ents for recycling.

• Council adopted Water City hall will be lit up in Regulation Bylaw No. 2457, purple to mark the occasion 2019. The bylaw regulates city this week. water supply and distribution, April is also Oral Health and includes updates on the Month in Canada. There are roles and responsibilities of the more than 29,000 registered city and consumers, require- dental hygienists in Canada.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A9

Business

“I pulled somebody over on the way here going 140 kilometres in a 90 zone.”

— Cpl. Brendan Harkness, Hudson’s Hope RCMP, A11

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B.C.’s forestry sector employs more than 7,000 people in the Northeast, putting hundreds of millions in family pockets and government coffers, according to a new report released today.

The report by PwC was commissioned by the Council of Forest Industries (COFI), and released April 3, as a kick-off to its annual convention in Vancouver.

Forestry generates jobs and economic activity in every corner of the province, but is particularly important to certain regions, like Northeast B.C., where forestry accounts for 20% of the jobs.

“This new study confirms that not only does the forest industry generate significant jobs and economic activity for the province overall, but these benefits can be found in every corner of the province – from Vancouver Island to the Interior, Lower Mainland to the Kootenays, and North Coast, Okanagan and Northeast regions of the province,” COFI president Susan Yurkovich said.

According to the study, forestry supports 7,702 jobs in the Northeast: 6,422 directly, and another 1,281 indirect and induced jobs related to the sector.

The sector generates $422 million in income for workers in the region, $303 million in government revenues, and $579 million in total GDP. The PwC study focused on seven regions in the province, some of which specialize in certain types of products.

In the Northeast, the region is home to

63% of the province’s oriented strand board (OSB) capacity in its two mills, a product that is heavily used across the board in building construction.

Despite the many headwinds that has battered B.C.’s forest sector – pests, fires, duties, shrinking timber supply – it remains an economic “cornerstone,” generating $13 billion in gross domestic province and employing 140,000 British Columbians.

“This level of employment is more than in any other resource sector in B.C.,” COFI said in a news release.

The study found that 40% of the jobs in B.C.’s forestry sector are in Lower Mainland and southwest region of B.C. Vancouver Island is the province’s biggest pulp and paper producer and forestry is its largest resource sector.

It produces 30% of the pulp and paper produced in B.C. The Thompson-Oakanagan region, meanwhile, has the most plywood and veneer mills, and the North CoastNechako region has the most wood pellet production.

About 9% of the workforce in the forestry sector are First Nations, who have increased their involvement in the industry in recent decades. There are a number of First Nations business and contractors in the forestry, and a number of tree farm licences are held by First Nations.

For government, forestry in B.C. generates $1..4 billion in federal taxes annually, $2.6 billion in provincial taxes, and $198 million in municipal taxes.

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SHELL CANADA COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM Building vibrant communities together

Site C workforce grows by 300 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Employment on BC Hydro’s Site C dam saw a slight increase to 3,494 workers in February 2019, up more than 300 jobs from January, according to the latest employment report.

There were 791 Peace Region residents employed as construction and non-construction contractors, an increase of nearly 100 month-overmonth. Locals make up roughly 23% of the project’s total workforce, and 28% of the construction and nonconstruction workforce total of 2,855 workers, which includes work at the dam site, on transmission corridors,

reservoir clearing, public roadworks, and camp accommodations.

There were a total of 2,760 workers, or 79%, from B.C. working for construction and non-construction contractors, and in engineering and project team jobs.

BC Hydro reports 93 apprentices, 313 indigenous people, and 391 women were working on the project in February.

The bulk of the project’s construction and non-construction workforce continues to be heavy equipment operators, with roughly more than 550 employed on the project. There were more than 350 labourers and 300 engineers tallied.

Unemployment jumps to 7.8% matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Northeast B.C. lost more than 1,000 jobs in March as unemployment spiked nearly two percentage points to 7.8%, according to the latest labour force survey.

There were an estimated 37,700 people employed in the region, down from 38,900 in February when unemployment was at 6%, according to the survey.

Year-over-year, unemployment is up from the March 2018 rate of 5.7%, and when 38,200 people were working.

B.C. added 7,900 jobs overall in March, with the unemployment rate edging up 0.2 percentage points to 4.7% between February and March as more

people entered the workforce.

The province saw job gains in agriculture, up 2,500 jobs, and in construction, up 3,100 jobs. The province also saw more jobs in the financial sector, up 7,700, and in public administration, up 4,500 jobs.

The province saw job losses in fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas, down 1,900 jobs, and in manufacturing, down 1,600 jobs. Jobs were down by 1,600 in transportation and warehousing, and down 1,900 in the accommodations and food service sector.

Canada saw 7,200 job losses, though the national unemployment remained unchanged at 5.8%. Quebec saw the biggest drop in employment, down 12,900 jobs, while Ontario saw 8,800 losses. Alberta saw 1,800 job losses.

The Shell Canada Community Grants Program is a Shell funded program that lets the community decide how to distribute the dollars!

To learn more about the program and to apply for $5,000 visit Shell.ca/communitygrants Application deadline is April 30, 2019.

51344

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A10 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

BUSINESS

Things to consider when building your dream home

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s we say hello to month seven of winter (but who’s counting?) it’s time to prepare and look ahead to the spring building season.

Is it the right time to build your dream home or a new home? Careful consideration is a must in resource-based communities. There continues to be a noted decline in prices in some sub-markets.

There is once again evidence of new homes under construction for owner/builders or as turn-key contracts.

Regulatory requirements have definitely added to the overall cost to build. Building a new home with an intention of resale to make money in one to three years is likely not a get rich quick plan. Perhaps it’s a sign of a maturing stable market.

When building a new home, it’s best to understand what your exit strategy is.

As long as you understand your exist strategy you are an informed builder. Cost to build and market value to

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

sell are two different terms.

Very often there can be a discount between the cost and the market. The higher quality custom homes can suffer quite a large discount in resource-driven markets vs. urban and recreational areas or prime locations. (Yes, location, location, location makes a difference).

Timing to sell those homes is another consideration. Typically, rural estate or high-end custom homes I would not like to see offered for resale for 15 to 20 years. The homes are a generational home constructed to raise a family.

At the end of that timeline, if the home has been well maintained and updated, it will resell very well on the open market. If the home is dated and requires extensive

Board PRRD Financial Plan & Hospital District Budget Adopted The Peace River Regional District’s 2019 Five-Year Financial Plan was adopted March 28, 2019, and provides funding for 56 services for residents of the PRRD’s four electoral areas and member municipalities: Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Pouce Coupe, Taylor, and Tumbler Ridge.

The PRRD’s tax requisition is increasing 5.08% ($1.37M) from $26.96M in 2018 to $28.33M in 2019 with Regional Solid Waste Management accounting for $1.37M of that increase.

One notable decrease in tax requisition is a decrease of $0.98M for the 911 Emergency Telephone Service. Solid Waste is the largest individual budget in the PRRD’s Financial Plan at $16.76M (25.63% of the overall budget).

Operating and capital expenditures for the Regional District in 2019 will total $65.38 million. Of that, $28.33M (43.32%) will be funded through property taxation. Other notable funding sources include grants, reserve funds, borrowing and prior year surplus.

The Peace River Regional Hospital District’s 2019 Budget was adopted March 28, 2019, and provides funding for numerous health care facilities and equipment for residents of the PRRD’s four electoral areas and member municipalities: Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Pouce Coupe, Taylor, and Tumbler Ridge.

The PRRHD’s tax requisition is increasing 3.41% ($0.6M) from $17.66M in 2018 to $18.26M in 2019. This increase in taxation contributed to a $775,000 increase in transfers to capital reserves for future building projects which increased from $11.13M in 2018 to $11.9M in 2019.

Operating and capital expenditures for the Regional Hospital District in 2019 will total $25.97M. Of that, $18.26M (70.33%) will be funded through property taxation. Other notable funding sources include reserve funds and investment income.

ALR Applications The Regional Board supported the following ALR applications to proceed to the ALC: The Westgate application for subdivision within the ALR, to provide a residence for the applicant’s son.

The Barrett application for subdivision within the ALR, to subdivide the subject property into 2 parcels as the subject property is divided by the Old Edmonton Highway.

The Morton application for subdivision within the ALR, to subdivide the subject property into 2 parcels as the subject property is divided by a road.

The Marston and Garbe non-farm use application to construct a 353 m2 (+/- 3800 sq. ft.) accessory building to house the applicant’s home-based mechanic business.

The Bernadin application for subdivision within the ALR to subdivide into 3 residential lots as the applicants feel the steep slopes are not conducive for agriculture and intend to establish a new dwelling on one of the newly created lots and sell the southernmost lot where they currently reside.

The Kilgour application for subdivision within the ALR, to subdivide into 3 parcels as the designation within this OCP permits parcels with a minimum parcel size of 63 ha (155 acres).

Farmer’s Advocacy Office The Board authorized that the Farmers’ Advocacy Office contract be extended for a 6 month period (April 1 – October 1, 2019) and that it be referred to the Rural Budgets Administration Committee (RBAC) for funding. The Purchasing Policy will be waived and the contract extension is to be direct awarded to Aspen Grove Property Services. The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources confirmed that they would fund the Farmers’ Advocacy Office for three months of the contract extension, from April 1 – July 1, 2019, for the full amount of $18,040 per month.

Next PRRD Board Meetings:

April 11, 2019 10:00 | Dawson Creek April 25, 2019 10:00 | Dawson Creek

renovations, it will be heavily discounted from the depreciated replacement cost new.

A prestige custom home offered for sale within two to seven years of construction can suffer a very significant discount to the price the market is willing to bear. A prudent purchaser does not typically pay replacement cost new for someone else’s custom home unless there is a significantly time delay or limited availability of vacant lots in the desired location.

Again: Location, location, location.

Cost to build is the expense incurred to buy the lot, service, build the home, landscape, etc. Market value is what the market is willing to bear if the property were offered for sale for a reasonable period of time. There has been a noted decline in new home construction over the past several years as a result of the gap between cost and market.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad time to

build. It means that if you are financing you will have to come up with a larger down payment. The banks will finance on the cost to build or the purchase price (aka market value), whatever is lower.

Building when the market for new home construction is limited may be a very economical time to build. You may have an opportunity to negotiate better construction costs due to availability of trades.

There is never a dull moment in the real estate world driven by the natural resource market. All you need to do is ride the wave and understand the different forces impacting the wave at any given time.

There can be opposing forces and no two waves are ever the same when you are involved in the global economy.

Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

APRIL 2019

March Delegations

Rural Roads Contract Award

MLAs

The Regional Board waived purchasing policy to direct award a $130,000 contract to JK Solutions Ltd. for Phase 4 of Rural Roads Strategy in the North Peace. The project will extend from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020,and will be funded through Economic Development.

South Peace MLA Mike Bernier and North Peace MLA Dan Davies discussed issues affecting the Regional District with the Board. Both MLAs want to continue to foster a strong relationship with the Board to address issues in the region.

They have been advocating to the province on regional issues and initiatives. Regional issues that they have been bringing to the Province’s attention is the uncertainty and unreliability of the rail service to move agricultural products to market, Taylor bridge replacement vs. the continual maintenance, the need for a nursing school in the region, Bill 15 Agricultural Land Commission Amendment act, cross border medical transfer and the caribou consultations.

Dam Safety- Arthur Hadland Mr. Arthur Hadland shared his concerns regarding potential future safety issues at the Site C dam. His concerns included sedimentary basin risks and past failures of other dams and bridges, risk of loss and damage of property, and recognition of vulnerable people. In response to the presentation, the Board will be forwarding a letter to the Federal and Provincial Ministries and the BC Solicitor General to request written assurances that the Site C Clean Energy Project dam is stable and deemed safe.

United Way of Northern BC - bc211 Service Roberta Squire, CEO of United Way of Northern BC provided the Regional Board with information on the bc211 Service and requested funding to bring the service to the region.

The vision of the program is to strengthen communities by connecting people with the help they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in over 160 languages.

This is done by providing free information and referrals to community, government and social services via phone, text, web chat, email and an online directory. 211 is a confidential, multilingual, telephone, texting and online referral service providing free information. Trained and certified counsellors link callers to services such as mental health supports, shelter and housing, legal aid, addictions treatment, newcomer services, and food banks. The toll-free phone number provides people with information and referral to community, social and government services. Later in the meeting, the Regional Board approved a multi-year grant commitment in the amount of $26,515 per year for three years starting in 2019 to the United Way of Northern BC to assist with the costs to expand the ‘bc211’ service to the Peace River Regional District.

RCMP The Tumbler Ridge RCMP Detachment, District of Hudson’s Hope RCMP Detachment, City of Fort St. John RCMP Detachment, and the City of Dawson Creek RCMP Detachment presented their 2018 year end reports, including statistics from the rural areas and discussion of priorities.

“No call is too small,” said Staff Sergeant Steve Perret from the City of Fort St John detachment, encouraging rural residents to call the RCMP when they have an issue or see something suspicious in their community.

The statistics and presentation can be found here- http://prrd. bc.ca/board/agendas/2019/2019-09-013958391/AGENDA.html

Solid Waste The solid waste department will be reaching out to the Science Department at UNBC to request that a student in a PhD or Master’s program be engaged to prepare a research paper on global leading best practices for solid waste management.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) will be invited to attend a future Board meeting to present on the vermiculture composting project that the NRRM is using to process organic waste material such as untreated wood, paper/ cardboard fiber, and other green waste.

A Request for Proposal for the operation of the Hudson’s Hope Transfer Station will be issued for a two-year term, June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021.

Dawson Creek Office

Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

Fort St. John Office

Tel: 250-785-8084 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.fsj@prrd.bc.ca

Zoning Amendments The Regional Board adopted the following Zoning amendments: The Irvine application to rezone a 1.81 (4.5 ac) portion of the subject property from R-5 (Residential 5 Zone) to R-4 (Residential 4 Zone) to facilitate a future subdivision of the subject property.

The Yake application to amend the zoning from P “Public Use Zone” to R-2. There used to be a community curling rink and community hall on the subject property, but it has been used for residential purposes for some time now.

The Buckley application to rezone a 43.9 ha (108.4 ac) portion of the subject property from A-2 Large agricultural holding to A-1 (Small agricultural holdings) to facilitate a conditionally approved 2 lot subdivision.

Are You Prepared for Spring Freshet or Wildfires?

Looks like ‘spring has sprung’! Things are melting in the region, which means it’s time to get prepared for any spring emergencies like flooding. Look around your property for any potential drainage issues that need to be addressed.

Grass and backyard fires that get out of control can cause serious damage, quickly engulfing fences, power poles and buildings as well as spreading to neighbouring properties and forested areas. Learn how to fire smart your property https:// www.firesmartcanada.ca/ Do you have a grab-and-go kit?

A grab-and-go kit is prepared and ready to go with you in the event of an emergency if you need to leave your home. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach place, such as your front hall closet.

Take the time to put together a household emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit, with at least 72 hours of supplies including food and water in advance. For ideas on how to build a 72 Hour emergency kit go to https://www.getprepared. gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/vds/prprng-kt-eng.mp4 .

Sign Up for North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts Stay Informed During Emergencies North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts is a region wide notification system. Residents who subscribe will be alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up to the North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts.

This system allows the Peace River Regional District and municipalities in the region to contact thousands of residents in seconds about an emergency right away. Receive the important messages via email, phone, and text!

Please sign up at nebcalerts.com – it only takes about a minute to register!

SIGN UP FOR North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts Powered by Everbridge

To view board schedules and minutes visit:

prrd.bc.ca

Peace River Regional District Official Page

diverse. vast. abundant.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A11

Local News

Property crimes, impaired driving top priorities for Hudson’s Hope RCMP matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Police in Hudson’s Hope will keep property crimes and traffic safety a top priority in 2019.

Detachment Commander Cpl. Brendan Harkness gave an update to the regional district board March 28 on 2018 crime trends in the community, and plans moving forward.

“It’s very interesting being in the position we’re in, in between Fort St. John and Chetwynd. Because we tend to be on Highway 29, we tend to be one of the routes people frequently travel,” Harkness said.

“Oftentimes, people who are trying to avoid police detection will try and come down through our area.”

The district saw 36 property crime offences in 2018, a nearly 200% increase from the 13 files in 2017.

The small, quiet community coupled with a large industry presence in the rural areas makes for an attractive situation to criminals. The detachment plans to increase rural patrols and its reporting metrics to identify trends and offenders, Harkness said. It’s also working with industry to improve security at their sites.

“I truly believe that if we can identify the people who are frequenting our area and we focus on them, we will see a reduction in our property crimes,” Harkness said.

The detachment saw 446 calls for service in 2018, up slightly from 436 in 2017.

Impaired driving plays a significant impact on call volumes, Harkness said, and last year, officers nabbed 15 of them, up 200% from five in 2017. More than 600 violation tickets were issued, and officers completed 17 road checks.

Officers will be staying proactive on Highway 29 to catch impaired drivers and is looking to get a laser/radar system to catch speedsters.

“I pulled somebody over on the way here going 140 kilometres in a 90 zone,” Harkness said. “Those are the kind of offences we do see. When

peace region

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Northeast B.C. courts for the week ending April 5, 2019.

Fort St. John Law Courts • David Reimer (born 1956) was fined $2,000 and handed a one-year probation order with a suspended sentence for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Dawson Creek Law Courts

we do detect them they are time-consuming.”

Collisions were also up last year, with 32 reported to police. Harkness attributes a large part of that to industry, which brings both an increase in traffic as well as inexperienced drivers to local roads.

“Highway 29, as you know, is quite windy and requires a higher level of professional driving when it comes to industry,” Harkness said.

The detachment struggled with a 66% turnover in staffing in 2018, with two officers moving out and two replacements coming in. One of those included Harkness, who came to Hudson’s Hope from Nunavut to replace Cpl. Romanchych as detachment commander.

Harkness was joined by Cst. Eric Schmidt.

“It sounds like a lot, but there are only three of us in town,” Harkness said.

Cst. Bill McKenna will transfer out of the community in the summer after working in Hudson’s Hope for four years.

“We are sad to see him go; he’s been the tie that binds in Hudson’s Hope through all the transition over the last year,” Harkness said. “He has served the community proudly and very well.”

The detachment is also making efforts to fill a public service position, with interviews underway, Harkness said.

Running the detachment with three members is challenging, and officers are on-call 24-7, Harkness said.

“It does present lifestyle challenges for us in order to get the appropriate unfettered time off and ability to be able to take a rest,” Harkness said.

“The call volume does not appear that high, but the work we are doing is equally highrisk as any other member who is out there.”

The detachment will be implementing strategies this year to ensure the health and wellbeing of its officers, Harkness said.

“That is just as important in the longevity and the effectiveness of the policing in the communities we serve,” he said.

Hudson’s Hope RCMP Detachment Commander Cpl. Brendan Harkness

PaintNite for the Food Bank

Saturday, April 27

6:30 pm at St Mark’s Food Bank Cost: A minimum $25 donation

Join instructor Melissa Klassen for a Paint Night Fundraiser for the St. Mark’s Food Bank.

All supplies included in the cost.

Must sign up in advance: Sign up through St. Mark’s Facebook page: @StMarksFoodBankDC or contact Brenda: 250-719-7449 (text/call) or Michelle: 250-612-8096 (text/call) Maximum class size 40 people

Brought to you by :

Rotary Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise

and

handed a 12-month driving ban, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited.

• Chadwick Archie Gauthier (born 1981) was given a four-month conditional sentence, ordered to provide a DNA sample, given 12 months of probation, and handed a five-year discretionary firearms ban for assault causing bodily harm.

Potatoes Tuna Salmon Canned Luncheon Meat Carrots Cream Corn Canned Peas

& at least one food item Most needed food items:

Noodles (Mr. Noodles type) Onions Powdered Milk Coffee Vegetable Soup Canned Corn Canned Green Beans

Oatmeal Macaroni & Spaghetti Tea Tomato Soup Mushroom Soup Chicken Noodle Soup Apple Juice

Additional items that can be used: Toilet Paper Plastic grocery bags for distribution

St. Mark’s

FoodBank

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Chetwynd Law Courts • Jaben Lee Jensen (born 1978) was handed a one-year probation order with a suspended sentence for theft $5,000 or under.

• Dallas Lyle Logan (born 1992) was sentenced to 14 days in jail, fined $500,

— Tom Summer

Alaska Highway News

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New inter-city bus service approved IT’S A BO Hudson Tony Y! Joseph Vandale Parents: Samantha & Cade Va Baby’s Weight ndale :8 Length: 23 in lbs 7 ozs Date: Mar. 13 ches , 2019 Time: 1:15 Fort St. Johnam , BC

IRL! IT’S A G Rose va Abigail E er Mos Parents: yn nw Joe & Broer Mos s eight: 8 lb Baby’s W . 15, 2019 Date: Mar 06 pm Time: 4: hn, BC Jo Fort St.

OY! IT’S A B Wadden heo Tabur T ents: Par Donald Meagan Wadden as & Nichol 3/4 inches Length: 19s Weight: Baby’ 7 lbs 1 oz2019 . 6, Date: Apr 19 am Time: 7: hn, BC Fort St Jo

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to:

The Alaska Highway News, or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Baby Bouquet Wall This is a wonderful way for family and friends to acknowledge these special miracles

ated in the t Wall is loc re Baby Bouque Hospital Birthing Cent hn Fort St. Jo

Your minimum donation of $125 to the FSJ Hospital Foundation will not only purchase a flower petal, but the money raised will also go towards much needed medical equipment that will help to provide the best healthcare and service possible.

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

B.C. transportation authorities have approved an Edmonton shuttle company to run a commercial, inter-city bus service between Fort St. John and the Alberta border.

Cold Shot Bus Service, based in Edmonton, was approved for the route on April 3. The company has the financing, business plan, and background to operate, the board ruled.

“It would appear that Cold Shot has the experience, operational knowledge and financing in place to establish and maintain a reliable inter-city bus route in BC, as proposed,” the board wrote in its decision.

The company will operate a 20-passenger shuttle bus five times a week.

The decision helps fill in the gap left

by Greyhound, which ended its ser-

vice in the region last spring and was replaced the provincially-operated BC Bus North program.

The company will be running its first bus on April 15.

In a news release, Cold Shot President Sunny Balwaria says the company has added a number of features to its services for riders in the Peace Country.

“We have a new cross-border route to Dawson Creek and Fort St. John via Grande Prairie that will take passengers and freight to those points,” Balwaria said.

“In addition, we’ve added a stop for Fort St. John passengers at Grande Prairie’s Queen Elizabeth II hospital, as well as a shuttle connection to the Edmonton International Airport that enables airline passengers from Fort St. John to go directly to that airport.”

Cold Shot has been in operation since 2006.

Worker killed in fall at bridge site matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

An investigation is underway after a worker died at a bridge construction site north of Fort St. John last week.

The accident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29, on the 1195 Road near Inga Lake Road, at a Great Northern Bridgeworks site, Worksafe BC said.

A spokesperson at Great Northern Bridgeworks declined to comment at

this time, citing the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

There are few details about the accident at this time.

Family friends have identified the worker as Derek Tompkins of Fort St. John, who leaves behind a wife and three young daughters.

An online crowdfunding campaign launched for his family had raised more than $34,000 as of Tuesday morning. Organizers of the campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m.

Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m.

Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info.

250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Aruldhas Lucas, SAC Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 -12:00 noon & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism.

MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am kIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am ********** CoMMUNITY PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings.

Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869 Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:00am & 11:00am **********

MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome!

Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years.

Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth **********

PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm **********

PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Desmond Jones Phone: 250-785-8289 www.trinitycovenant.ca matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUkE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome!

The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A13

arts & culture

2019 Peace Liard Regional Juried Art Exhibit results matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The 37th annual Peace Liard Regional Juried Art Exhibit opened April 5 at Peace Gallery North in Fort St. John.

More than 150 pieces were exhibited by 71 artists from across Northeast B.C., and judged by Asinnajaq, an Inuit visual artist, and Genevieve Robertson, executive director of the Oxygen Art Centre in Nelson, B.C. Fort St. John artist Kristy Auger took home the Distinguished Award, the show’s top prize, for her piece titled pinaskew, a woodblock print with beadwork.

Pinaskew means “falling leaves” in Cree, and the piece represents the power in the release of emotions, and how it can bring strength and renewal.

“I’m making art at my own art desk, and it takes a long time and I don’t know if anyone’s going to understand it, or feel the way I feel about it,” Auger said.

“The best thing is hearing that someone else understands my art.”

Auger started working on the piece last fall.

“In Cree we say that fall is a time to let go of things; ou know, it’s when the trees let go of their leaves,” Auger said. “It’s about releasing and how that changes you. When you release emotions, you change as a person.”

Dawson Creek artist Kit Fast was given the Recognition Award for his sculpture titled earthwork v1, west of 6.

The prestigious event, put on by the Peace Liard Regional Arts Council and the Fort St. John Community Arts Council, gives both emerging and professional artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork and network with fellow artists within the Peace River and the Northern Rockies region.

The exhibit is on display until April 26, with voting for the People’s Choice Award ongoing.

• Distinguished Award ($1,000): pinaskew by Kristy Auger, Fort St. John • Recognition Award ($500): earthwork v1, west of 6 by Kit Fast, Dawson Creek • Most Experimental ($200): Sorrel and Charolais by Haley Bassett, Groundbirch • Toni Onley artist Scholarship: Mary Mottishaw, Dawson Creek • Chosen Awards 1. X Marks the Spot by Karl Mattson, Rolla 2. New Beginnings by Margaret Mabius, Chetwynd 3. The Bank Series #14 by Barbara Swail, Dawson Creek 4. Trucking on Cecil Lake Road

by Frances Obie, Fort St. John 5. Spring Greens by Mary Parslow, Dawson Creek 6. Winter in Pineview by Margaret May, Fort St. John 7. Rose bushes are rainbow, skies are blue by Justine Bouchard, Dawson Creek 8. Untitled by Adrienne Greyeyes 9. Rock Study by Eliza Massey Stanford, Fort St. John

matt preprost photo

Fort St. John artist Kristy Auger with her piece ‘pinaskew’, a woodblock print with beadwork.

• Honorable Mentions: 1. Florals in Copper by Isam Sharkiye, Fort Nelson 2. Shucking Corn by Pat Vossler, Montney 3. Wild Rose View by Diana Hofmann, Fort St. John 4. Trump Making America Great Again by Maureen Mohr, Fort St. John 5. Island in the Stream by Ken Forest, Charlie Lake 6. Boreal Spirits by Miep Burgerjon, Fort St. John 7. The Workers by Peter Shaw, Dawson Creek 8. Aurora Flower by Crystal Dawn Behn-Dettieh, Fort Nelson 9. Meandering by Kimberly Ans, Fort St. John 10. Mukluks by Amber Wood, Fort Nelson

matt preprost photo

Dawson Creek artist Kit Fast with his sculpture ‘earthwork v1, west of 6’.

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A14 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Regional District wants assurances of Site C safety MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

How do you learn as a family?

Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay fl Have a shapes scavenger hunt, taking turns finding shapes indoors and outdoors. Then make each shape with your body — kids and adults work together.

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

Find more ways to learn at play as a family at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

HOROSCOPE

For Thursday April 11 2019

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) You will enjoy having a chance to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings today. A conversation with a female family member will be significant.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Things at work today are flowing smoothly because people are friendly and positive; nevertheless, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Stay realistic with your deadlines.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You want to enlighten others about something today. Yes, you have something to say.

Fortunately, others are willing to listen to you. (That’s a bonus.)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) This is a fun day to plan vacations and social outings, because you’re in the mood to party. You are full of a fun-loving optimism that says, “Anything’s possible!”

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Discussions with bosses, parents and VIPs are optimistic today because you are thinking big!

A tiny caution: Be careful not to promise more than you can deliver.

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Travel plans look exciting!

Likewise, you are enthusiastic about exploring opportunities in publishing, medicine, the law, the media or higher education.

Looking good!

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) In many ways, this is a good day to decide how to divide an inheritance or share a certain amount of money, because people are feeling warmhearted and generous. Nevertheless, stay grounded.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Your interactions with friends and partners are upbeat and happy today because people are optimistic and feeling mutually generous. You might fight over who will pay for lunch.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Invite the gang over for pizza and beer, because you will enjoy entertaining at home today.

People are upbeat, friendly and ready to help each other. Yes, the vibes are great.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) The power of positive thinking is something very real, and you can feel this today. Because you believe in yourself, others will believe in you, too. (Test this out.)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Business and commerce are favored today, which is why this is an excellent day to do business. The only downside is something might look better than it actually is.

The Peace River Regional District wants assurances from the provincial and federal governments about the safety of the Site C dam, and for them to respond to local residents when they raise concerns about the project.

Board directors voted to write the respective ministers and authorities about the issue after former director and farmer Arthur Hadland raised concerns about the dam’s structural integrity at their meeting in Fort St. John on March 28.

Hadland, who appeared as a delegation on March 28, raised his concerns about a number of recent dam failures, including the Mount Polley mine in B.C., and others in the U.S. and Brazil.

“These things are a bit of a harbinger of what could potentially happen down here,” Hadland said. “When the announcement was made to proceed with Site C (in December 2017), Premier Horgan was assured it was safe, but it was never put in writing. That’s where I’m coming from: We need to have that in writing.”

Hadland said he’s been trying to get senior levels of government and ministers to recognize the vulnerabilities of the Peace River valley where the dam is being built on mostly weak sedimentary materials, such as shale and clay. Residents are particularly vulnerable in the Old Fort neighbourhood, just a kilometre downstream from Site C, and where residents had to be evacuated last fall after a massive landslide cut off access to the community, Hadland said.

“They are in the pathway of that dam, should it fail,” Hadland said. Hadland has been requesting for months that an independent safety assessment be completed, and that various engineering reports that have been reportedly been commissioned for the dam as it’s being constructed be released to the public. Hadland said he hasn’t received a response.

Larry Houley, alternate electoral director for Area E, was the first to throw support behind Hadland. Old engineering reports on the dam have noted slope stability issues in the valley, and that those issues be

dealt with as they happen, he said. “To me, that’s unacceptable,” Houley said. “For the safety of the residents of the area, we should get those assurances from senior governments. It hasn’t come.”

However, some directors were skeptical of what would be accomplished by writing a letter. The project has already been designed, engineered, and is under construction, Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser said.

“To what end is this letter going to be used by us? What if they come back and say, ‘Yes, we think it’s safe’ — does that make it any safer?” Fraser said.

A letter would be enough of an assurance, Houley replied.

“I have confidence in the attorney generals, federal and provincial,” he said. “If they sent me this letter that said, ‘Yes, this is safe,’ I would accept that assurance. I don’t have that now.”

Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead doesn’t believe the regional district will get a response, but supported the motion anyway.

“They’re not going to put that in writing to anyone. I wouldn’t,” Bumstead said.

Dave Hieberg, mayor of Hudson’s Hope, described the issue as a sense of ownership. “If you’re going to build a project of this nature, you should be in a position to provide some aspect of safety around it,” he said.

Karen Goodings, electoral director for Area B, noted the regional district has received a number of concerns from residents about the safety of the dam. Whether or not senior levels of government respond, the regional district would have the satisfaction of addressing the concerns of residents, she said.

Fraser echoed the sentiment, adding the board should also ask the governments and various agencies to respond to Hadland’s correspondence to them.

“It’s not our role as the regional district to become oversight, or to take a side one way or the other,” Fraser said.

“But, it is our role to ensure when a legitimate question has been asked of the government, or an agency of the government, and it’s not being responded to, it’s legitimate for us to press that it be responded to.”

Feeling Listless

Dear Annie: I enjoy my job, but I’m not satisfied. I’m not sure what I’m missing, though. I think I’m just daydreaming about an ideal job that probably doesn’t exist.

But I don’t know how to reconcile that. I don’t want to be at my current job longer than another year or two. But that time is time I could be spending being happier, more fulfilled in my daily life. People say we should “live every day like it’s our last,” but that seems unrealistic -- and financially unsound. If I knew I’d be dead in a year, I’d quit my job today. But that would be an irresponsible decision in the long term.

What should I do? I hate feeling resentful of my job -- a good job, with nice co-workers and bosses -because it isn’t what I really want to do. I would hate to realize too late that I should have been chasing what I really want instead of settling for what’s conventional and “smart.” I want to live. -- Restless Representative Dear Restless Representative: The grass is always greener. We are accustomed to only hearing or filtering out the positives of others’ lives. The danger is that you’re not listening to or thinking about how mundane other careers might be and undermining yourself in a job that you enjoy.

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Today you will make big plans and set long-range goals because That said, I do think it’s imporyou feel optimistic and positive tant for you to sit down and write about life. Guard against out a list of your skills, your interoverlooking details, which will ests and your needs. This will help be easy to do.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

you understand what types of careers would fit your abilities and desires while balancing what you would like to achieve, both financially and personally.

As you understand this, begin to network in these fields and really to listen to people as they describe their professional lives. Evaluate this against your current job, and determine whether you truly want to shift careers. You simultaneously should be thinking about what it is that is not satisfying you in your job. Spend time understanding what is creating this sense of missing out, and think about whether there is some way you could find this in your current job. If there is, speak with your manager and create a plan to achieve it. He or she should be excited to work with you on this, as it would make you more productive.

In addition, create games to keep yourself motivated at work currently. Set targets each day for goals to achieve, and give yourself a sense of accomplishment each day. This will help you stay focused at work while you go on a path of discovery.

How you do one thing is how you do everything.

Dear Annie: I don’t know whether “Witness” was the teacher of the class or just visiting or an aide or what, but as a retired teacher, I can tell you that bullying cannot be tolerated even once in the classroom by any employee of the school. When I noticed a bullying situation, I immediately removed the bullier from the classroom and took him or her out into the hallway, where I gave the kid a warning and explained why it is unacceptable.

If it occurred again, the bully was expelled from the classroom and met the next day with his or her parents, an administrator and me.

The bully was given consequences that required a written apology to the bullied student, as well as a public apology in the classroom to the bullied student and the rest of the students.

By not doing anything when the bullying was observed, the teacher/employee subjected the school to a lawsuit and financial culpability and created heartache for the student and parents. All schools should require anti-bullying training for all employees. -- Retired Teacher Dear Retired Teacher: Thank you very much for your letter. I love hearing from educators.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 A15

Coffee Corner $429,900 5438 Cecil Lake Road MLS# R2353152

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4-bedroom/2-bathroom 1568 sq.ft. home, 10 mins from Fort St John on 16.75 acres.

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TODAYS PUZZLE

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Main shop of 3920 sq. ft., 14’ overhead doors and office space. Second shop 2400 sq. ft., 14’ overhead door. On four commercial zoned lots.

hOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ABATEMENT ACID AMENITIES ATMOSPHERE BIODEGRADABLE BIODIVERSITY BIOENERGY BUILDING CARBON CARPOOLING CLIMATE COMPOST

• • • • • • • • • • • •

CONSERVE DEFORESTATION DOMESTIC ECOSYSTEM EFFLUENT EMISSIONS FOOTPRINT FOSSIL FUEL GASES GREENHOUSE HABITAT

• • • • • • • • • • • •

HOUSEHOLD INSULATION LANDFILL LITTER NOXIOUS ORGANIC OZONE PARTICULATE POLLUTION PROTECT QUALITY WASTE

TODAY’S PUZZLE

10. A sharp blow

11. Bears engage in it

13. Prevents progress 15. Young boy

17. A way to go on 18. Not good

21. A ballet enthusiast 23. Ad __

24. Bar bill

27. A genus of badgers 29. “No __!”

32. Get off your feet

34. Franklin was one 35. Removed

36. Used to catch poachers 39. Hit lightly 40. Crony

43. Stroke

44. One who obtains pleasure by inflicting pain on others

find his in a plant or animal lost pear.

14. “Heat” director

44. Car mechanics group

18. Gateway (Arabic)

48. Pack neatly

45. Belonging to us

20. Greek prophetess

50. Forming the bottom layer

23. Bard’s way of saying “have”

53. Sea eagles

19. No (Scottish)

22. A team’s best pitcher

52. How fast you’re going

25. Indigenous group of the Philippines

55. Cool!

27. Type of squad

58. Type of monk

26. Danish krone 28. Possesses

30. Part of the face

31. Very small amount of time (abbr.)

33. Churches have lots of them

35. Modern day “letter”

3. When you hope to get 54. Hair-like structure there 59. Pick up 4. Woman who followed 60. Type of Bacchus transportation 5. Cause to become 61. Worn with a suit entangled 62. Something similar 6. Green veggie to another already referred to 7. Stiff bristles 64. Farm state 8. Pass in Alps

56. Military mailbox 57. Type of lawyer

63. Respect due to an ancestor 65. Took to the sea 66. Members of a Semitic people

67. A way to march

Q:

Material for your weekly game page

man What did the l? al w e th say to

Q:

9. Atomic #81

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

16. Tellurium

51. Unhappy

START

Q: ANSWER: 4

12. Spiral staircase pillars

2. __kosh, near Lake Winnebago

49. “Wings” actor Steven

What did the nose say to the finger?

A: Stop picking on me.

5. Lunar term 41. Folk singer DiFranco the bear 10. California mountainHelp 42. A baglike structure

47. Greek letter

What did the alie say to the gardenn ?

r weeder.

40. Type of house

1. Political action committee

46. __ the ante

A: Take me to you

38. Informed upon

1. Often romantic composition

FINISH CLUES DOWN

ck like A: One more craster ya! that and I’ll pla

37. Della __, singer

CLUES ACROSS

A16 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

arts & culture

Temerarious Tabias

April Fish Day Norma rrae The Fruit Loops were piled in the ceramic white bowl. Father poured the milk over the mountain of sugary cereal as he reprimanded Tabias.

“No April Fool’s today, buddy. I know it’s a fun day, but teachers complained last year. The number of neighbours’ mailboxes and lawn gnomes I had to replace was ridiculous.”

Father ranted so much that he had stopped paying attention to the milk and it spilled out of the bowl.

“Yes Dad,” Tabias retorted to make him stop. The Fruit Loops had snuck out of his bowl too from the waterfall of milk. They were colorful and swam like fish, jumping the edge of the table and falling to the floor. Father threw a cloth on top of the mess, swiped it up, then kissed Tabias goodbye for work.

“Remember,” he turned back to reiterate.

“Yeah, yeah. No April Fools tricks.”

The door closed. Tabias finished his breakfast then went to the bathroom before the school bus arrived.

He rolled his eyes at the new wallpaper, the colourful cupboard handles, and the scented sea shell soap piled in the soap dish.

The wallpaper drew his attention back again. Large colourful fish seemed to swim around the small bathroom just as the Fruit Loops had in his cereal bowl. He recalled stories from Step-Mother about fish being the first trick of April Fools.

Newspapers would hide a fish in the prank column to let readers know it was bogus.

Tabias ripped the thin strip of paper off the still-damp wall and ran to the school bus.

“Good morning Tabias!”

Mr. Jenkins, the grumpy neighbour who hadn’t enjoyed his April Fool’s the prior year, called. He waved and didn’t notice as Tabias smacked a damp fish onto his white picket fence.

The glue will dry nicely, Tabias thought to himself.

The school bus was just pulling up to the bus hut. With the snow trying to melt, the hut was barely visible under the layers of frozen, not frozen snow.

He slapped a yellow fish on the wooden bench before following the lineup of out-of-towners onto the bus.

A green fish sat on the seat beside Tabias, a purple one ended up the folding bus doors before he got off at school, and a perfect smiling black fish had found a new home on the green garbage can in front of school.

The girl with blonde hair in math class got a pink fish, the janitor got a brown fish. The girl’s washroom stick girl got covered with a white fish, and the stick boy washroom got a mandarin fish.

Teacher Bal opened the classroom door as Tabias walked down the hallway.

“Tabias,” she called to him, “you’re not doing any April Fool’s tricks are you?”

“Temerarious!” Tabias replied with a fancy bow. “Never rests.”

Taking his seat, the teacher closed the door, a blue fish glued to her back.

Norma Rrae is an author based in Fort St. John. Read more of her works at notmewriting.com.

PURPLE DAY IS MARCH 25

Only five to 10 per cent of cancer cases are inherited. Nevertheless, if you want to reduce your risk of contracting the disease, it’s important to know your family’s medical history as it pertains to cancer.

Some cancers that are linked to inherited gene mutations include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.

If you have family members who’ve had cancer, your doctor may recommend you undergo genetic testing. These tests analyze your DNA to determine if you have the associated gene mutation for the specific type of cancer that’s prevalent in your family.

If you test positive for a gene mutation linked to cancer, it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get the disease. You can take steps to lower your risk, such as: • • • • •

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by regularly exercising, eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol Visiting your doctor regularly

Starting cancer screenings at a younger age or having them more frequently

Having preventive surgery (like a mastectomy if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation)

MONTH

Did you know that having one or more alcoholic drinks a day increases your chances of getting cancer?

COLORECTAL CANCER Colorectal cancer mortality rates are declining on average 2.3% each year among men and 1.7% each year among women because of improvements in treatments and screenings.

Taking drugs that could lower your risk

If one or more of your family members has battled cancer, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your own risk and whether or not genetic testing might be right for you.

BREAST CANCER

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It’s your right to decide whether or not to have genetic testing.

For many people, genetic testing helps them get clarity, take action early and make good decisions about their health. Others prefer not to know if they’re predisposed to cancer.

APRIL IS

LUNG CANCER The leading cancer killer in Canada, lung cancer mortality rates have declined by over 2% each year since 1988. The decline can be attributed to greater public awareness about the dangers of smoking tobacco.

Breast cancer mortality rates decreased by 44% between 1989 and 2018. This progress is due to increased emphasis on early detection and advances in mammography.

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PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer mortality rates decreased by about 40% between 1995 and 2012, thanks to the introduction of routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings.

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Jiffy Lube wins 16th Oilmen’s Hockey tournament

The Capitals could win it all; the Leafs won’t

Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

T

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Team Jiffy Lube after winning the 2019 Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament Petroleum Club Game 5-4 on April 6, 2019. Back, from left: Dale Merwin, Brandon Beck, Wade Banks, Brad Campbell, Jesse MacDuff, Adam Pearce. Front, from left: Rob Fuhrman, John Fisher, Mike Hamre, Shane Brooks.

DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Team Jiffy Lube won the 2019 Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament in its first year as a team sponsor, thanks to an outstanding effort by goalie and Jiffy Lube owner Mike Hamre.

In a terrific Petroleum Club Final on April 6, Jiffy Lube came back from a 3-1 firstperiod deficit against Peace Country Royals to win 5-4 in a shootout.

Jiffy Lube scored to tie the game on a last second penalty shot, and Brandon Beck put his team up for good in the shootout.

“We won something in our inaugural season, something (the Vegas Golden Knights) couldn’t do,” Hamre joked, playing in his 10th Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament.

Defenceman Kelsey Vonk, playing for the second time, won his second-straight Petroleum Club Final, after winning the 2018 tournament with Cabre Oilfield.

“It was great to come back from being down 3-1, the guys showed a lot of heart.

(Hamre) stood on his head and that’s why we won.

It was just a phenomenal tournament to be a part of,” said Vonk.

In the other final games, Tom’s Construction beat Complete Pumpjack Services 7-6 in the Jiffy Lube Game (B event), D & D beat Fort Motors 9-6 in the Baker Hughes Game, and Magnum Oilfield Rental beat Ditmarsia Holdings 5-4. Cabre beat Northen Vac Services 8-4 in a battle of last-place teams.

Jiffy Lube shut out D & D Insulators 7-0 in their first game of the tournament, making Hamre just the second goalie in the 16-year history of the tournament to record a shutout.

For organizer Lee Hartman, it was another solid tournament that prioritized fun and camaraderie above all else, but saw some close games on the final day.

“It’s all about the sportsmanship and it couldn’t have gone any better,” Hartman said.

Lanny returns In his sixth year as special guest, Lanny McDonald, and his friend and former teammate Collin Patterson, didn’t disappoint.

“Having Lanny back was awesome, he’s always a gentleman. He’s spectacular with the fans who watch him and the guys in the dressing room. Patterson was fantastic as well,” said Hartman.

He was going to give McDonald, 66, a chance to play only three or four games. Instead, McDonald and Patterson each played eight games despite only being around from Wednesday night to Friday morning.

“You absolutely have to play, no sense in only the young guys having fun,” McDonald said. “It’s been absolutely awesome.”

McDonald is very fond of the Peace Region in general and in the guys who put the tournament on and take part each year.

“I love being up here. The guys really treat you well, and really have a lot of fun,” he said.

McDonald is based out of Calgary, but lives in Toronto three months out of the year where he is the Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, a position he’s had for four years.

“If you love hockey and the history of the game, it’s a great job to have,” McDonald said.

McDonald loves following the game, and cheering on

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS

Above: Lanny McDonald plays a game for Jiffy Lube, the eventual tournament champions, on April 5, 2019. Below: Jeff Fast (right) of Peace Country Rentals tries to get past Kelsey Vonk during the Petroleum Club Game on April 6, 2019.

his grandsons. He thinks the period he played in — the 70’s and 80’s — was the finest era, but loves the current version of the game and said it’s too different to compare.

“The league and ownership groups have been

unbelievable in coming together to see the growth both on the men’s and women’s side, and to see the diversity of players playing this great game is awesome,” McDonald said.

— with files from Dave Lueneberg

he NHL playoffs are the best time of the year to be a sports fan, at least when it comes to the first round. For at least 10 days, there are four games running each night, with two upsets a day likely.

The parity of the league, and the competitiveness of the playoffs, is what makes picking a Cup winner, let alone having a successful bracket, so tricky, but it’s so much fun to do.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t take the Washington Capitals to take the Cup last year, but I did take them to win the first two rounds, including a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Naturally, because I like it when people tell me I’m wrong, I shared my predictions with whoever would listen, and I was ridiculed for taking Washington that far. So, when they won it all, it felt really good.

How do you follow that up, you ask?

Well, by taking them to win the Stanly Cup again this year. It will be really hard, but I believe in them, and they have the easiest path to the third round of any top team in the league.

But enough of that. What I want to say is that I’m not taking the Maple Leafs to win their first round series against the Boston Bruins, and I’m asking for forgiveness from Leafs fans everywhere. I’ve been down this road too many times. I’ve thought they would beat Boston when nobody else thought they would (Leafs fans don’t count, Leafs fans will believe anything), only to be severely disappointed when they ultimately lost.

Not this year. I won’t be fooled again.

Well, sure, I will be fooled again in many areas of my life over and over, but not by the Maple Leafs. After all, nobody ever criticized someone for learning from past mistakes.

As for other matchups, I think the Calgary Flames will go pretty far, and beat the hot St. Louis Blues in the Western Final. Both teams are relatively inexperienced when it comes to playoffs, but they seem to be laying better than anyone in the West right now and would be fun to cheer for.

The best part about making playoff predictions is you don’t really care if you get any of them wrong, unless it’s your own team. If I picked the Leafs — in any year — to make the Eastern Conference Final and they lost in the first round, that would be the worst. People already hate the Leafs and want to tell you so for any reason, so it will only be worse if the haters have actual ammunition.

But what about if I’m wrong about them this year? If they somehow beat Boston, that will be cause for great celebration. I will cheer, even though I’ll feel a bit guilty once they get their third win of the series. After that, I’ll pretend I believed in them all the way.

I’m ready to be convinced that the Leafs are better than I think. There is no pride preventing me from jumping on my favourite team’s bandwagon.

Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News.

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B2 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

Local Sports

Energetic Edge headed to cheer provincials dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Sparked Soul photography photo

Justin Donally, left, and the fighters who will be competing at Fivestar Fight Night 23: Fight For Alaya on April 12, 2019.

Fivestar to fight for Alaya this Friday dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The time to fight for Alaya McCormick is fast approaching. After months oof preparation, Fivestar Fight Night 23: Fight for Alaya goes this Friday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pomeroy Hotel and Casino.

The event will feature 15 fights, featuring 13 local fighters from the Fivestar Boxing Academy, as well as kids from Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and elsewhere. Money raised from the event will go towards McCormick and her family to help in her fight against cancer. McCormick will be on hand to present the trophies to the competitors.

“We’re ready to go, and really excited. It will be a great card featuring everything from kids up to older veterans, and I expect we’ll be fully sold out,” said Fivestar Owner Justin Donally.

The main event of the evening will feature Nick Young, in the ring for the second straight weekend after fighting an exhibition in Quesnel on April 6.

“I hadn’t fought in a while before Quesnel, so was rusty to start, but

turned it on in the second. I’m fresh, reday to go, and can’t wait to put on a show,” Young said.

The entire Fivestar Boxing community is looking forward to contributing to this cause, and fighting at home for the first time since the 2018 B.C. Golden Gloves a year ago.

“This will be awesome and I’m super excited to headline, though that adds some nerves to it. It’s a great way to help Alaya, the community is getting behind it, and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Young said.

Fivestar’s other top fighters, Lincoln Pomeroy and Canada Winter Games champion Brayden Sims, will be in action as well. Sims is fighting Cole Brander of Alberta, the Canada Winter Games silver medalist at 56kg, in an exhibition. Sims won gold at 60kg.

Former Canadian MMA champ will box Raph Bergmann of Grande Prairie.

Nick Dragojevich, Lane Harris, Thomas Pope, Kaden Parent, Andrea Wall and Landon Beasley are some of the other local fighters who will be competing on Friday night.

R0021217976

For the first time, the Energetic Edge Cheer Association will perform for something greater than a gold medal and some good memories. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, or the previous competitions the association has gone to. But this Saturday, April 13, Energetic Edge will attend the firstannual B.C. Provincial Cheerleading Championship in Kamloops.

It’s hard to imagine that there’s never been a provincial championship before, but that’s the reality. The same goes for a national championship. Canada Cheer was run by the International All Star Federation, which also ran other national associations. Now, with the formation of Cheer Canada, each province is making a push to hold provincial championships, so that a national championship can be created in a couple years.

“We’re really excited to go. As soon as we heard about it, we made a point to go to the first one,” said Energetic Edge Coach Christina Brace. “It will be incredible to be there and feel the

excitement, and see all the hard work that’s going into it.”

Brace and her fellow coaches are taking 36 performers to the competition: Elevate, the youth team; Empower, the junior team; and Esteem, a five-person team made up of athletes from both regular teams that does stunts only. Elevate and Elevate will ech do a two minute and 30 second routine, while Esteem will perform a one minute and 30 second routine.

There are 50 teams in total going to Kamloops for the competition, with more than 600 athletes expected to compete.

When Energetic Edge returns, it will begin winding down for the season, and preparing for its annual showcase on May 4, at 2 p.m., where all five teams will perform routines for the public. A raffle and silent auction will be held as well.

In May and June, the association is holding an Introduction to Cheer for anyone looking to try it out ahead of next season and see what’s involved.

Information can be found on the Energetic Edge Facebook Page.

dillon giancola photo

Scott MacLean (left) presents Hunter Gibb with the MacLean-Herron award at the Fort St. John Minor Hockey Awards Ceremony on April 3, 2019. Turn to B8 for the full list of winners.

PRO GOLF WEEKLY UPDATE Golf News, Tips, Trivia & Stats

This Week in Pro Golf

Top News Stories

Last Week in Pro Golf

Rory McIlroy, now carrying momentum to complete the career Grand Slam, is joined by nearly a dozen top names eyeing a Green Jacket to augment their wardrobe The Masters is the first major tournament of the season on the PGA Tour and is one of the most revered titles in the world of golf. The tournament began in 1934 as the Augusta National Invitational Tournament with Horton Smith winning the inaugural event by one stroke over Craig Wood. Last year, Patrick Reed stared down Sunday pressure from McIlroy early and later from Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, holding on to capture his first major title by one stroke over Fowler.

Malaysian golfer Irawan passes away in China Malaysian professional golfer Arie Irawan died Sunday morning at his hotel with early indications his death was from natural causes. The coroner has not completed his report. Irawan was competing in the PGA TOUR Series-China’s Sanya Championship, where he missed the 36-hole cut but had remained on-site. Irawan was staying at the Sheraton Sanya Resort across the street from Yalong Bay Golf Club, site of this week’s tournament. His roommate, American Kevin Techakanokboon, who had already awoken and was getting ready for his final round, noticed Irawan was unresponsive in his bed. American player Shotaro Ban arrived and immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After 45 minutes of continued revival efforts, medical personnel pronounced the 28-year-old dead.

Corey Conners won the Valero Texas Open

Corey Conners claimed his first PGA Tour victory and earned an invite to the Masters on Sunday, winning the Valero Texas Open less than a week after qualifying. Conners only entered the tournament field Monday, and he’s the first golfer to win on the PGA Tour after qualifying on a Monday in nine years.

He finished at 20-under for the tournament, winning by two shots over Charley Hoffman.

The last player to qualify on Monday and win a PGA Tour event was Arjun Atwal in 2010.

Lessons from the Golf Pro

FedEx Cup Standings

While we rarely see it happen from a professional golfer, the shank is an all too familiar shot in the arsenal of the amateur golfer. The main cause for the shank is that the clubface remains open through impact. When we strike the ball, the hosel of the club is what hits the ball. Consequently, the ball shoots off at virtually a 90 degree angle to the trajectory that we are expecting when we line up to hit it. One of the easiest fixes to the problem is to position the ball in the hosel of the club and attempt to hit the ball with the toe of the club. What this accomplishes is that it makes you bring the club back to the ball from the inside. The other bit of advice is to make sure that your left forearm rotates completely through impact. This makes sure the club rotates all the way through after contact.

Through April 7, 2019

Course Stats Yards: 7,475 Par: 72 18-hole record: 63 Tournament record: 270 Defending champion: Patrick Reed

TV Coverage Day Time Thursday 3:00pm-7:30pm Friday 3:00pm-7:30pm Saturday 3:00pm-7:30pm Sunday 2:00pm-7:00pm

Network ESPN ESPN CBS CBS

Pro Golf Trivia Who is the only player to finish runner-up in the Masters to Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods? a) Tom Kite b) Mark O’Meara Answer: a) Tom Kite

c) Jay Haas d) Greg Norman

?

Tournament Results Player Score Earnings 1. Corey Conners -20 $1,350,000 2. Charley Hoffman -18 $810,000 3. Ryan Moore -17 $510,000

1) Matt Kuchar 1,665 pts. / 5 top tens

2) Rory McIlroy 1,416 pts. / 7 top tens

3) Xander Schauffele 1,328 pts. / 3 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued...

Player Points 4) Paul Casey 1,261 5) Gary Woodland 1,076 6) Charles Howell III 1,060 7) Marc Leishman 1,034 8) Rickie Fowler 1,006 9) Justin Thomas 999 10) Dustin Johnson 984

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Top 10s 4 6 4 5 3 5 5

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 B3

npss Sports

NPSS girls soccer team starts season with 2-1 record in Vancouver The NPSS senior girls soccer team kicked off the spring high school season in Vancouver last week at the Kick Off Tournament hosted by UBC. The girls lost to Argyle in their first game of the tournament on Thursday, April 4, but finished the day with a strong 4-1 win over Crofton House in the afternoon. Goals were scored

by Emma Close, Jayd Gorsic, Claire Turner and Jordynn McPherson.

Jayd Gorsic received player of the game.

The girls had another good day on April 5, going down 2-1 to Alpha but rallying and finishing the day with a 5-1 win over Shawnigan Lake. Goals

were scored by Jayd Gorsic, Maddy Holloway (2) and Emma Close (2). Maelynne Wan received player of the game.

The Grizzlies continue their southern tour this week on Vancouver Island.

Athlete of the Week: Ricarda Meier (Sr Girls Soccer) Up Next: Senior girls soccer have their second tournament of the season this coming weekend at UVIC on Vancouver Island.

— Samantha Stackhouse

supplied photo

The NPSS senior girls soccer team at the UBC Kick Off Tournament in Vancouver on Aoril 4, 2019.

NPSS rugby teams finish second and fifth in Grande Prairie tournament The North Peace Secondary School rugby team, The Grizzlies, played in the Grande Prairie Sevens Tournament on Friday, April 5, 2019. Excellent efforts were seen by all returning players, and all new players got their first exposure to competitive play.

NPSS put two teams in the tournament and placed second and fifth overall. In the final match against St. Josephs of Grande Prairie, though the lads took an early lead, they were unable to maintain ball control and were eventually outscored by their season rivals.

Now the boys look to further develop as we prepare for their upcoming season.

The Grizzlies have a rematch against St. Joseph High School on April 24, this time playing the Rugby Union style, which is played with 15 players. With the fresh taste of competition, the team looks forward to a quick return to training with newfound energy and a better understanding and respect for the game.

— Joshua Cullen The NPSS Rugby Sevens At team in action during the Grande Prairie Sevens Tournament on April 5, 2019.

supplied photo

PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing g News,, Stats & Trivia Race Preview

Location: Richmond, Va. Date: Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.

Last Year’s Pole: Martin Truex, Jr. - 123.859 mph Last Year’s Winner: Kyle Busch

Year after year, Richmond International Raceway puts on the best short track show. Richmond’s unique, 3/4-mile layout produces tremendous side-by-side racing, yet drivers can obtain high enough speeds to give it a superspeedway feel. That rare combination allows for the beating and banging that fans always love, with the drivers’ skill playing a major role in winning.

Current points leader and last week’s winner, Kyle Busch, finished first in last year’s race. Joey Logano, has finished in the top 10 in nine of the last ten races at Richmond. The race will be shown live on FOX at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th.

Richmond International Raceway Shape: D-shaped oval Distance: 0.75 miles Turns / Front / Back: 14º / 8º / 2º

Last Weekend’s Race: Kyle Busch won the Food City 500 Kyle Busch rallied late after starting 17th to win the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday. After getting spun on the backstretch at the very start of the race, Busch worked his way through the pack and finally took the lead with just over 100 laps to go. He later lost the lead but regained it by staying off pit road when the caution flew with 21 laps to go. This marks his eighth victory at Bristol. Busch’s brother, Kurt, finished 2nd.

Behind him were Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Denny Hamlin.

Kyle Busch Born: Nov.18, 1980 Crew Chief: Mike Wheeler Car: Toyota

Year 2019 2018

Wins 3 8

Top 10s 8 28

Avg. Finish 3.4 8.3

2019 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Kyle Busch 2) Denny Hamlin 3) Joey Logano 4) Kevin Harvick 5) Brad Keselowski 6) Ryan Blaney 7) Martin Truex, Jr. 8) Kurt Busch 9) Aric Almirola 10) Chase Elliott

Points 361 334 326 301 271 265 254 253 246 245

Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 8 7 5 6 4 4 5 6 6 2

Drivers 1) Tyler Reddick 2) Christopher Bell 3) Cole Custer 4) Austin Cindric 5) Michael Annett 6) Justin Allgaier 7) Brandon Jones 8) Chase Briscoe 9) John Hunter Nemechek 10) Noah Gragson

Points 321 308 275 251 238 231 220 220 219 219

Top 10s 6 5 5 5 5 3 4 5 5 3

Kurt Busch willing to wreck brother Kyle for NASCAR Cup win Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kurt Busch says he was willing to wreck his brother Kyle during the late restart in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol. The two brothers lined up on the front row for the restart with just 14 of the 500 laps remaining after Kyle recovered from a second lap crash to haul himself back into contention.

On the restart, Kurt closed to within inches of the rear bumper of Kyle before conceding defeat after touching the wall slightly as his brother took his third win in eight races. When asked what he was willing to do, Kurt said, “That one is tough. I really wanted to beat him. I was going to wreck him. I wanted to stay close enough so when we took the exit I was going to drive straight into turns 3 and 4. He already won this season. Figure he could give a little love to his brother.” When Kyle was told his brother would wreck him, he said: “He has to catch me first.” Kurt had qualified 27th and like Kyle had to work his way back up the order to get into race win contention, with both Busch brothers electing to stay out and not pit ahead of the final restart. The Ganassi driver was unhappy with his car balance and says his crew is not ready to win yet. “This car, we were struggling on qualifying, we struggle on taking off,” he said. “It’s hard to be patient when you’re running for the win on old tires.”

Racing Trivia Which driver has the most all-time wins at Richmond Raceway? a) Bobby Allison b) Kyle Busch

?

c) Richard Petty d) David Pearson

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Race Details

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Answer : c) Richard Petty had 13 wins at Rcihmond Raceway.

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Toyota Owners 400

B4 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

First year of NLC rodeo team a success

WILDWOOD IMAGERY PHOTO

Fallyn Mills during a breakaway roping round at the CIRA Finals in Calgary on March 30, 2019, where she finished the weekend third in the event.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Mirela Rahneva signs Cruz Gordon’s Classroom Champions t-shirt at Alwin Holland Elementary on April 4, 2019.

Olympian Mirela Rahneva visits local students DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

When skeleton athlete and 2018 Canadian Olympian Mirela Rahneva woke up at 5:30 a.m. on April 4, she couldn’t wait to jump on a plane to Fort St. John and spend a couple days visiting students she’s worked all year with through Classroom Champions.

The day didn’t disappoint, and Rahneva was still bursting with energy after an afternoon of visiting classrooms.

“It’s been so amazing. You’d think I’d be tired but I’m not, and it’s been an incredible day from the moment I landed,” said Rahneva.

Rahneva, who goes by Mimi, is finishing her second year with Classroom Champions, and first with Fort St. John schools. She kept in touch all year with students and classes from Alwin Holland Elementary, Bert Ambrose Elementary, and Hudson’s Hope Elementary, teaching them lessons she learned through her athletic career and inspiring them to chase their dreams.

“It’s our job to inspire and bring in ideas, but it’s turned around and I’ve been just as inspired. I really love their creativity and involvement,” said Rahneva.

Rahneva visited Mrs. Hedges Grade 2/3 class and Mrs. Turner-London’s Grade 5/6 class at Alwin Holland, to finally meet the students in person, show them medals she’s won, and sign her autograph.

Rahneva brought two of her medals to show the class, a gold that she won in Calgary, and one she won in Whistler at the World Championships through the team event. Though she didn’t do her best, her team still won, and Rahneva used that as an example of the importance of working as a team.

“One of my biggest goals was to win a world championship medal, and though I didn’t do the best, I still won a medal with my team. It’s OK to know that I didn’t have my best day but we still earned it as a team,” Rahneva said.

She asked the students what their favourite lessons of the year were, and received answers of learning to not give up, how to set goals, how to be a leader, and teamwork.

Rahneva was also joined by Steve Mesler, who won Olympic gold in bobsled at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. Mesler, along with his sister, were the athletes who started Classroom Champions, and have been along to see the program become what it is today.

AUSTIN COZICAR reporter@dcdn.ca

With a season in the books, the Northern Light College rodeo team can say it’s had a successful start.

Three athletes were on the final roster — Denton Spiers, Fallyn Mills, and Sierra Jones — and all finished top ten or better in the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association regular season, and earned a spot in the Canadian College Finals Rodeo.

At the finals in Brooks, Alberta, all three did well. Spiers who finished the season first in bull riding, also claimed the title at finals. Mills won the first round of breakaway roping, and finished the finals third in both breakaway roping and goat tying, and was named the Reserve All Around Cowgirl. Jones finished seventh at the finals in goat tying.

“It’s been a very successful season,” said Todd Bondaroff, associate VP, student services with NLC. “I would say in the fall there was lots of transition on how college rodeo works compared to high school rodeo, and as the season progressed, our student athletes just kept getting stronger and stronger.”

The team started with several interested students, and five athletes competed at the first rodeo of the college circuit. In the end, three remained.

“They were all pushing for top spots in the regular season, which was nice because going into the finals, they were

sharp, on their game, and knew what to expect,” said Bondaroff.

Talking to the athletes, they have appreciated the opportunity to compete in collegiate rodeo near home.

“It’s a good thing for kids to be able to do right out of high school and it’s great to have a Canadian circuit so kids like myself who didn’t go to the States have a place to rodeo. It was nice to be able to rodeo for a year in Canada,” explained Mills.

“I think it’s great that Northern BC has a rodeo team now. The enthusiasm from Northern Lights College and the Peace Country has been outstanding.

Everyone’s really excited to have a rodeo team.”

“It’s really cool to be able to do it right out of your hometown and get that experience,” said Jones.

With the season ending, the program is going to take its time to reflect on the season before.

“We’re taking the time right now that we need to really acknowledge the hard work of our students, our staff, our support that worked together to get us here and have a successful season.”

But the time is now to look towards the future. Mills has signed a letter of intent with Gillette College in Wyoming, while Spiers is one of the most promising young bull riders around, and could have options. It’s possible next year could be a roster full of fresh faces.

– with files from Dillon Giancola

WONOWONMonthly 4-HReport BEEF CLUB Hi everyone I hope you are enjoying these beautiful spring days!!

The March Club 4-H meeting was at our house. We talked about the 5 Nutrients that are needed for life.

They are : - Water - Energy - Protein - Vitamins - Minerals Then we talked about the barn decorations for Achievement Days. Did you know that there is a competition every year for the best barn decorations at Achievement Days?

You should come to Achievement Days on July 5, 6 to see all the neat barn decorations and enjoy all the 4-H shows.

To finish off the meeting we practiced knots by tying each other up it was fun.

The April 4-H meeting was at Mary’s house.

We talked some more about the barn decorations and deciding how is doing what job.

Then we did a game on animal parts and talked about proper Judging terms to get ready for the Judging Rally.

Eckbert told us what we will be Judging. They are: - Swine - Sheep - Horse - Beef - Out door living

Then the younger Members watched a movie about Judging and Practiced Judging.

The Sheep weigh-in was Saturday March 30 at the North Peace Vet Clinic.

We would like to thank you them for their time.

Then our sheep members did sheering March 31.

I think that would have been fun to watch.

In May 2 of our members well be going on a 4-H trip to Frazer Valley for 5 days. They will learn about different jobs in the Agriculture industry with other 4-H members from BC. It will be interesting to hear what they have learned.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 B5

Local Sports

Fort Bowling Lanes league standings: week 26 Here are your standings for week 26 of the Fort St. John Bowling Lanes leagues. The Fantastics showed their true colours, winning this week to pad their lead, while the Shady Ladies won in the Coffee League to stay in the race for first.

Ladies 1. Marlene Bigcharles - 204 2. Brianna Warnock - 198 3. Clara Skauge - 188 Mens 1. Kevin Alexander - 239 2. Percy Arnault - 220 3. Elvis Calahasen - 203

Mixed No Cap Overall points / week 26 1. The Fantastics - 227.50 / 12 2. Got Balls - 206.50 / 8 3. Good Time Girls- 196 / 9 4. Blue Balls - 180 / 11 5. Rusty Gates - 162 / 7 6. Trouble - 158.50 / 2 7. Freeze Frame - 139 / 4 8. Comic Reliefs - 139 / 5 9. Bowl Movements - 133.50 / 1 10. Forever Friends - 122.50 / 10 11. Big Chucksees - 119.50 / 3 12. Here 4 The Beer - 88 / 6

Coffee League Overall points / week 26 1. Ball Busters - 113 / 4 2. Shady Ladies - 103 / 6 3. Five Alive - 93 / 2 4. Fab Five - 87 / 5 5. Pin Poppers - 84 / 3

High Series 1. The Fantastics - 3,921 High Single 1. The Fantastics - 1,524 Individiual Leaders Mens Single Flat - Kevin Alexander - 365 Mens Series Flat - Kevin Alexander - 844 Ladies Single Flat - Marlene Bigcharles - 340 Ladies Series Flat - Brianna Warnock - 764 High Averages

High Series Shady Ladies - 3,358 High Single Ball Busters - 1,230 Ladies Series Beth Cobet - 681 Ladies Single Beth Cobet - 287 Ladies High Average 1. Joanne McGinnis - 181 2. Jeannette Ward- 168 3. Cindy Dettling - 166

1. Logan Dufresne - 149 2. Parker Mayes - 141 3. Logan Dalley - 137 Girls 1. Tejana Walterlea - 126 2. Destiny Bigcharles - 123 3. Sierra Bigcharles - 97 Ages 8-10 Boys Single Flat Cade Hackman - 177 Girls Single Flat Brooklyn Bigcharles - 171 High Averages Boys 1. Cade Hackman - 116 2. Marcus Vandal - 96 3. Joel Newhook - 74 Girls 1. Brooklyn Bigcharles - 111 2. Emma Schram - 89 Ages 5-7 Boys Single Flat Bentley McPhee - 123 Girls Single Flat Natalie Richards - 108

Ages 11 - 14 Boys Single Flat Logan Dalley - 250 Girls Singles Flat Tejana Walterlea - 230

High Averages Boys 1. Bentley McPhee - 86 2. Hayden Schram - 83 3. Josh Vandal- 82 Girls 1. Natalie Richards - 78 2. Tayah McPhee - 65 3. Sarah Dionne - 51

High Averages Boys

League play goes each Wednesday night, 7 to 9 p.m.

Kids Leagues

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Classifieds Announcements

DR. LUCI SKAKEN, ND, Serving patients in BC over 25 years, welcomes new patients in Fort St John and Dawson Creek, for information or appointment phone 778-754-4004 or email naturopathonwestside@gmail.com view website at drluciskaken.ca GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 97 newspapers in just a few clicks.

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Student employment

Announcements

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

Acquired Brain Injury Support Group: ABI Support group meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month at 6:00pm at the Northern Brain Injury Association office: #11-1405 102 Ave Dawson Creek. Please call 250-719-4673 for more information. http://nbia.ca/

Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes.

Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities.

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Roots Building at NAR Park. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists.

New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Please join us on June 2nd for the 2nd annual Walk to End ALS. at the Greenspace at 100th Ave. & 100th St. Fort St. John, BC Registration for the event will begin at 10am. There will be food, music, games, raffles, activities and lots for the whole family to do. The walk is about 4km long but the route brings you back to the Greenspace multiple times, if you need to shorten your distance.

We are encouraging you to sign up teams this year and challenge other teams to raise money as well. Sports team vs. sports team.

Business vs. business.

School vs. school.

Create some competition and let’s make this year better than last!

Go to this site to preregister for this walk: events.alsbc.ca.

TOPS Evening Sessions Meet Thursday at 6:00 pm New Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St Phone: Judy 250-782-9540 or Gail 250-782-7208 for more info.

Coming EvEnts Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

631 85-5 2 7 0 5 2 Ph: 2 0-785-35 5 2 Fx: AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

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VISITOR CENTRE COUNSELLOR − SEASONAL Spectra Venue Management operators of Tourism Dawson Creek is accepting applica− tions for summer Visitor Centre Counsellors to promote tourism products and services, as well as to offer outstanding customer service to visitors from around the world to Dawson Creek. Successful applicants should possess previous experience in customer service and retail sales and a strong desire to market the community of Dawson Creek and its surrounding region to travellers from across the world.

Please submit resume, including references and cover letter, to Angela Keech, Manager of Visitor Services, by emailing angela@tourismdawsoncreek.com or in person at 900 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4T6. angela@tourismdawsoncreek.com www.tourismdawsoncreek.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Borderline Culture Series presents: Kobo Town (www.kobotown.com) -Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Demmitt Community Centre (1/2 Mile South of Hwy 43 on RR 132). Doors open at 7:00 pm (AB time) Music at 8:00pm. Tickets Advance: $25. Door $30. For tickets and information call 780-356-2904 or go to www.borderlineculture.com

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park.

For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Business OppOrtunities

Business OppOrtunities

SATURDAY MARCH 20, 2019 - COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE-Music by “Country Horizon” at the Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek.

Dance from 8:30- 12:30 Admission includes lunch. For more information phone Linda at 250-843-7418 or Joanne 250-782-0158 SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm.

Birthdays

Birthdays

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY LES POWELL! To a loving husband and an amazing Dad. Love your family − Wife: Roberta; Daughters: Rhonda (Don), Angela (Garrett); Grandchil− dren: Alexandra (Chris), Wyatt (Sarah), Bran− don (Ally) & Devon (Carol−lyn).

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Request for Proposal – Hudson’s Hope Transfer Station Site Attendant

For more information, call (250) 784-3200 or 1-800-670-7773.

Paulo Eichelberger, General Manager of Environmental Services

www.prrd.bc.ca Peace River Regional District Official Page I Facebook Tenders

Tenders

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Tenders

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INVITATION TO TENDER

Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 10/7/4/ & 18-months. Full-Time Live-in only. Duties include: Care for younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry.

Light house cleaning.

Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

General employment

Caregiver/Nanny for hire: To look after my (3) children; 15 year old; 9 year old & 5 year old girls. Permanent, full-time at a rate of $14.00/hour for 40 hours/week.

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Child Caregiver: 8 years old girl & 25 month boy. $14.00 per hour.

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Main duties: Assist children on personal hygiene. Plan, prepare meals for children, participate in games, reading and may perform light housekeeping.

Accommodations could be made available on a live-in basis at no cost.

But not a condition of employment. Apply by email: herbert_barateta@yah oo.com

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General employment

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Announcements

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

Child Caregiver: 8 years old girl & 25 month old boy. $14.00 per hour.

Permanent-40 hours per week. Employer’s home/94 Ave, Completion of Secondary School, some college/ CEPEG/Vocational or technical training in child care or related field. 1 to 2 years supervision of children.

Main duties: Assist children on personal hygiene. Plan, prepare meals for children, participate in games, reading and may perform light housekeeping.

Accommodations could be made available on a live-in basis at no cost.

But not a condition of employment. Apply by email: herbert_barateta@yah oo.com

Auctions

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The Peace River Regional District invites the submission of proposals from qualified individuals or companies to supply the services of site attendant, for a two year period, at the Hudson’s Hope Transfer Station.

Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Request for Proposal document from the Regional District’s website at: http://prrd.bc.ca/category/tenders-rfps.

Coming EvEnts

Domestic Help WanteD

General employment

Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend.

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Celebration of Life for the late

Adam Schuster

of Fort St. John will be held Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 at 2:00pm from the Fort St. John Seniors Hall. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Adam to the Fort St. John Senior Citizens Association. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

GaraGe SaleS Mega Yard Sale April 13: 9am-3pm Road 215 Across Highway from Encana Events Centre Dawson Creek 4 - Different Shops to choose from!

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Home Care Wanted In-Home Caregiver for Hire: To look after my (2) children; 7year old girl & 6 year old boy.

Permanent, Full-time at a rate of $14/hour for 40 hours/week.

Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children.

Accommodation available on a live-in basis at no cost but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care, assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping.

Applicants may apply via email: joan24garcia@yahoo.com

1 PARCEL REAL ESTATE - Kelowna, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, May 1 in Edmonton. 0.44 +/title acres, 2017 built 1200 +/- sq ft home, Lake Okanagan & mountain views. Jerry Business Hodge: 780-706-6652; OppOrtunities Realtor - Tom Moran TROUBLE WALKING? PREC: 250-784-7091; HIP or regarding KNEE REPLACE-this insert Brokerage: Re/MaxFor questions MENT, or other condiplease contact: Dawson Creek Realty; tions causing restric-Chris Paga rbauction.com/realesAccount Manager tions in daily activities? tate. $2,000 tax credit. Fax: 832-5 Phone: 832-437-1477

Insertion Order #3

$40,000 refund

cheque/rebates. & HealtH & IO number For to: Sale PleaseHealtH remit invoices reflecting Accounts Paya Beauty Beauty MiSc Patriot Advertising, Inc., Attn: Disability Tax Credit. 1-

1801 East Avenue, Katy TX 77493 ANDSAWMILLS THE DAY OR EMAIL proof 844-453-5372 from onlyAFTER PUBLICATION FAX $4,397 - MAKE MONEY or tearsheets@patriotadvertising.com Business advertisement/tearsheets to: Fax: 832-553-2599

services & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Account Rep: Chris Pagano Arctic Duct Cleaning, Client: Plains Midstream - John Furnace & duct Cut lumber any dimen- Size: 1/8 Page (5.514x5.36) Pub: Ft. St John Highway News B/W cleaning, Chimney sion. In stock ready to Insertion Date: 4/11/19 Rate: $Modular sweep. 250-787-7217 CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN ship. FREE Info & DVD: DR. HUMAN NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS (FSJ) Section: Classifieds A well−established Color: $ family doctor in Dawson www.NorwoodSaw2019 LAS ROADWORKS Creek now accepting new patients. Due to the Cost: $ $ mills.com/400OT 1- Online: Kan Do Ent.. power Alaska Highway News shortage of doctors in Fort Saint John, we are A proud member now accepting new patients.

800-567-0404 raking, yard clean up, of the community All contents are property of Patriot Advertising Inc and are for the use through Patriot Advertising Inc. exclus Sealed Tenders clearly marked City of Fort St. John – 2019 LAS Roadworks will be 250−782−1186 landscaping.

Ext:400OT. Materials may not be reproduced by any vendor or publication.

C Copyright 2009 Patriot Advertising Inc received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00:00pm, local 250-262-9562

time, April, 11, 2019.

Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after April 1, 2019.

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following: •

Construction of 390lm of roadway in 2 locations within the City of Fort St. John. Work includes storm sewer installation, road construction, 3m paved trail, 2m concrete sidewalk and traffic signal installation.

All inquiries should be directed to the Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd., Rob Close, Contract Administrator, 250-785-9697 Email: rclose@urbansystems.ca City of Fort St. John: 10631-100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5 Attention: Jim Stewart, Engineering Manager

INSTRUMENTATION & ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE - TEAM LEAD Plains is currently looking to fill the position of I & E Maintenance Team Leader for the Empress District operating area based out of Empress 6 located approximately 60 miles north of Medicine Hat. In addition to lending technical expertise to operations in accordance with company standards, policies and procedures, the main focus will be to ensure adherence to the corporate maintenance reliability program. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who possesses solid Electrical and Instrumentation knowledge of LPG processing operations and maintenance activities and demonstrates strong leadership ability.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Trade Certification (Electrical or Instrumentation) • Preferably 7+ years as a certified Trades Person • Former leadership experience & the ability to lead teams with diverse skill sets • Strong understanding of electrical & mechanical maintenance for process equipment, pressure vessels and heaters • Demonstrated ability to achieve operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization This position includes a relocation package to assist with moving expenses. Valid drivers license is required.

To Learn More & Apply, Visit us Online at:

CAREERS.PLAINSMIDSTREAM.COM Equal Opportunity Employer

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 B7

Classifieds Real estate seRvices

Notices / NomiNatioNs SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

ApArtments / Condos-For

RENTFSJ.CA Home away from home SuiteS For rent For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. WiFi & Internet. Phone: 250-782-7042 Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE...”BIG BLOW OUT SALE - ALL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X23 $5,977. 23X25 $5,954. 25X27 $7,432.

30X31 $9,574. 32X31 $9,648. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036. www.pioneersteel.ca

Basement suites Furnished Room for Rent in Dawson Creek.

Includes utilities/wifi/TV/laundry/privateentrance/parking. No Pets/Drugs. Phone: 250-782-0001

ApArtments/ Condos for

Space For LeaSe SELL or LEASE in Pouce Coupe. .45 Acres C1 Zoned, Hwy. Frontage. 1630 sq. ft in 2 Story Building.

250-719-8111

ApArtments/ Condos for

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

We have a variety of apartments, town homes, executive homes, and duplexes for rent. To apply for these,please email reception@licar.ca or visit our website at www.licar.ca

Phone: 250-785-2662

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

R0011448135

LegaL/PubLic Notices

778-834-RENT(7368) We have a variety of furnished units ready to move in!

Options of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms units, with all furnishings

FSJ Motor Inn. 10707-102St. Close to downtown.

Furnished/Private rooms/Kitchen/bathroom, TV/Wi-Fi/utilities included. Call Gary 250-682-1982. No lease, month to month basis. $950/month.

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door.

250-784-5817

Real estate seRvices

RENTFSJ.CA

2 DR 1972 Cougar Brown SER 2F93H523001 was registered in Tundra Towin Name Last. The transfer of registration or sale of bid be April 25th 2019. Submit to Del Alexander 250-793-2574 email: blessyou101@hotmail.com CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss?

Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

Real estate seRvices

R0011352381

LegaL/PubLic Notices

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

LegaL/PubLic Notices

3D73Y3CL2BG611052 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck Owner: Didushenko Contruction Ltd Stepan Didusenko Amount owing: $9,664.66

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Notice of Public Hearing

OCP & ZONING AMENDMENTS BYLAW NO. 2359 & 2360, 2019

When:

April 16, 2019 | 7:00 pm

Where:

Charlie Lake Hall 12717 Charlie Lake Hall Rd Charlie Lake, B.C

For More Information:

Charlie Lake Area Lot 1 Section 25 Township 84 Range 20 W6M Peace River District PL EPP20134 The Peace River Regional District is hosting a meeting to discuss the proposed OCP & Zoning Amendment.

Proposal: To amend the subject property from Low Density Rural Residential (LDR) to Medium Density Rural Residential (MDR) within PRRD North Peace Fringe Area OCP, Bylaw No. 1870, 2009 and to rezone it from R-5 (Residential 5 Zone) to R-4 (Residential 4 Zone) within PRRD Zoning Bylaw No. 1343, 2001. The applicants intend to subdivide the property into two 2 hectare parcels.

Contact: Development Services Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

Sale to take place April 29, 2019 8815 101 Street Fort St John, BC at 9:00am.

This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at the PRRD Dawson Creek office (1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC) or 8:30 am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm at the PRRD Fort St. John office (9505-100th Street, Fort St. John, BC). Written comments or concerns accepted.

1030885 B.C. LTD DBA WOLVERINE AUTOMOTIVE IS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE. If the owed amount is not paid, this vehicle will be sold at 10908 100 Avenue on April 18, 2019.

Make: Dodge Model: Ram 3500 6.7L Year: 2009 VIN: 3D7MX38L09G524485 Owed: $7098.11 Name: Gaurdian, A Division of Shawcor

The holding of this public hearing has been delegated to the Director of Electoral Area C.

prrd.bc.ca

Shawn Dahlen, Chief Administrative Officer

diverse. vast. abundant.

Swinging for hospital patient care MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St John & District Chamber of Commerce and the Fort St John Hospital Foundation are teaming up for a new flagship fundraiser: the B.C. LNG Hole-In-One Golf Tournament on June 13.

The Par 3 tournament in Taylor features a $10,000 holein-one prize on every hole. And the goal is to bring industry and community together in support of the hospital, Chamber President Christopher Flury says.

“We’re bringing that com-

munity together to support a local organization that we see as very beneficial,” Flury said.

Niki Hedges, executive director for the hospital foundation, said she’s excited about the new partnership. Funds raised will help benefit all aspects of local healthcare, she said.

“They will go to wherever the need is greatest and that helps us to enhance the work we do, which is providing equipment that will help support any of the departments in the hospital,” she said.

Registration is open. Call the Chamber for more info.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTOS

Left: Zoe Moore of Fort St. John tries her hand at spike driving. at the trade show on April 6, 2019. Right: Safari Jeff entertains the crowd with a handful of all things wild.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTOS

Left: Conor Edgar of Taylor talks future career opportunities in the fire fighting field. Above: Lou Davis of Vancouver shows off a tray of freshly candied apples.

B8 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

2018-19 Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association award winners The Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association held its year-end awards ceremony at the Pomeroy Hotel on Wednesday, April 3, with Ted Sloan presenting. Here are the winners of the individual awards.

Award Winners: Ron Robinson Award Isabelle Ollenberger For a novice player who shows sportsmanship and citizenship on and off the ice.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS

Above: Chase Wiens receives the Kin Club Award (right) for leadership and sportsmanship on April 3, 2019. Below: Maegan Okrainec presents Lynden White with the Dave Okrainec Memorial Award for midget rep defenceman of the year.

Earl Alexander Award Trae Alexander For a novice player who shows sportsmanship and leadership.

Dale Palmer Award Shea Feener For an atom recreations player who shows excellent leadership.

Corey Lee James Schultz Memorial Award Cowyn Loney For a peewee competitive player who exemplifies energy and humour.

June Godberson Memorial Award Lincoln Levers For a peewee player who shows sportsmanship, leadership and true appreciation of the game.

Mike Brandmann Award Jordan Henyu For a peewee player whose

love of the game shows through in leadership and work ethic.

Bryan Phillips Memorial Kash Salinas For a bantam recreation player that shows sportsmanship, contribution to team play, and love of the game.

Gary Flake Memorial Kane Pittam For a bantam competitive player who shows sportsmanship and is a good citizen in all aspects of life.

MacLean-Herron Award Hunter Gibb For a midget player who shows athletic ability, scholastic performance and good citizenship.

Kenny Kosick Memorial Conrad Wiebe For a midget player who shows gentlemanly and sportsmanlike conduct.

Dave Okrainec Memorial Defenceman Award Mitchel McNiven For a midget competitive defenceman who shows dedication, effort and hard work.

Fort St. John Eagles Most Dedicated Female Jordan Fuhr For a female minor hockey player who shows dedication to hockey and consistent sportsmanship and effort.

Kirschner Goaltender Justin Garner For a goaltender who shows sportsmanship, ability, participation and enthusiasm.

Dave Okrainec Memorial Most Improved Lynden White For an atom through to midget defenceman who shows improvement in all parts of their game.

Mike Landucci Referee of the Year Award Drew Woodruff For a referee who shows dedication, consistency and fairness to the game, and strongly supports the minor hockey program.

Sid Davis Memorial Coach of the Year Award Ashley Burwash For a coach who shows respect for the officials, opponents and parents, and players.

Doug and Yvonne Wiles Recognition Award Brendan Loewen For an adult in any capacity who has been a strong supporter of minor hockey for many years.

Hugo Brandmann Parent Volunteer Award Tanya Andersen For a parent who shows the many hours that parents contribute to the minor hockey program.

DILLON GIANCOLA, DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTOS

Left: Mike Hamre (left) and Kelsey Vonk with the Oilmen’s Hockey Trophy after winning the Petroleum Club Game 5-4 in a shootout on April 6, 2019. Right Lanny McDonald addresses the players during the Oilmen’s Hockey banquet at the Fort St. John Curling Club on April 4, 2019.

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